Assessment of endothelial dysfunction and its clinical usefulness

The endothelium plays a crucial role in the maintenance of vascular homeost asis; endothelial cells produce a series of molecules that determine vascul ar tone and modulate the interactions between the arterial wall components and the circulating blood. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) thus results in significantly impaired physiol ogical responses that often lead to atheroma formation. Recent studies suggest that endothelial dysfunction as assessed invasively during coronary angiography is a prognostic marker. Recently, a non-invasive ultrasound technique has been developed which may allow screening of ED in both patients and healthy subjects. This article reviews current knowledge regarding noninvasive assessment of endothelial dysfunction and proposes potential uses of a promising ultrasou nd technique.