EARLY DETECTION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN TYP E-2 DIABETIC-PATIENTS USINGHIGH-RESOLUTION ULTRASOUND

Aim: Endothelial Dysfunction (ED) is an early functional marker and In tima-Media-Thickness (IMT) an early morphological parameter of atherog enesis. Is there a simple, non-invasive routine method for the identif ication of atherosclerosis including the detection of the early functi onal endothelial impairment seen for example in Type 2 diabetic patien ts? Methods: Using high resolution ultrasound we studied peripheral en dothelial function expressed as flow-associated dilation (FAD %) and e ndothelial independent vasodilation after administration of 400 mu g g lycerol trinitrate (postnitro %) of the brachial artery as well as IMT of the common carotid artery in 25 Type 2 diabetic patients and their matched controls. Results (mean +/-SD): The diabetic patients showed a remarkable ED (FAD%: 3.8 +/- 3.3 vs. 6.9 +/- 4.4%, p=0.01) and an al ready increased IMT (0.72+/-0.14 vs. 0.62+/-0.10 mm, p<0.01). The simi lar postnitro % in diabetic patients and controls suggests normal dila ting capacity of the studied vessels in the diabetic patients (postnit ro%: 14.3+/-9.4 vs. 14.9+/-8.5%, p=ns). Conclusion: With a combination of these three sonomorphological parameters it is possible to documen t the stage of atherosclerosis including endothelial dysfunction in Ty pe 2 diabetic patients.