RADIAL ARTERY MASS MEASUREMENT IN HUMANS USING A HIGH-RESOLUTION ECHOTRACKING DEVICE

Objective: To determine the reproducibility of radial artery mass (RAM ), in hypertensive patients. Design and methods: In 49 patients, RAM w as measured using a high resolution echotracking device (Nius-02) whic h allows non-invasive measurement of diameter and wall thickness of th e radial artery. RAM was validated in vitro by comparing weight of art erial segments to ultrasonographic measurement and determined as RAM = r (piR(e)2-piR(i)2) where r is the arterial wall density (1.06 g/cm3) , and R(e) and R(i) are values of internal and external radii, respect ively. Repetability coefficient (RC2 = SD(i)2/n) was 1.3 mg. Results: Blood pressure was (mean +/- SD) 146 +/- 19/85 +/- 15 mmHg, radial art erial diameter was 2 449 +/- 376 mum, radial wall thickness was 302 +/ - 68 mum, RAM was 28 +/- 9 mg (range 13-43 mg). Conclusion: These resu lts indicate that radial artery mass can be measured using a high reso lution echotracking device.