Measurement of the carotid intima-media thickness: an innovating techniquefor assessing cardiovascular risk

Assessment of cardiovascular risk: Measurement of the intima-media thicknes s in the carotid artery is optimized by coupling high-resolution ultrasonog raphy with automatic data processing systems, allowing improved precision. Although the optimal site of measurement remains controversial (common caro tid, bifurcation, internal carotid), there appears to be a consensus on nee d for bilateral automatic measurement The intima-media thickness is conside red a marker of atheromatous disease and its diffusion. This parameter prob ably integrates the deleterious effect of different cardiovascular risk fac tors accumulated over decades. In addition, several prospective observation studies have reported a positive relationship between measurement of the i ntima-media thickness of the carotid artery and risk of cardiovascular even ts (myocardial infarction and stroke). Detection aid: Although the results issuing from epidemiology observation s tudies are still too preliminary, to evaluate the positive and negative pre dictive value for occurrence of clinical events in relation to different le vels of thickness, this simple rapid and noninvasive measurement could be a useful tool for subjects with high cardiovascular risk. Perspectives: Measurement of arterial parameters determined by high-resolut ion ultrasonography, will probably shortly become an integral part of the e valuation strategies for cardiovascular risk. Future comparative studies wi ll provide an assessment of the comparative predictive value of these diffe rent parameters (quantitative structural analysis versus quantitative and q ualitative analysis of the structure venus structural and functional analys is of the arteries).