Altered arterial function in migraine of recent onset.
OBJECTIVE
Migraine is associated with cardiovascular disorders but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Arterial structure and function are important determinants of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to assess arterial properties in patients with migraine of recent onset.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional study, structural and functional arterial properties were assessed using ultrasound and applanation tonometry in 50 patients with a history of migraine >1 and <6 years during a headache-free interval and 50 age- and gender-matched subjects without a history of migraine.


RESULTS
Brachial artery diameter (4.82 +/- 0.93 mm vs 5.39 +/- 0.89 mm, p = 0.01) and compliance (0.30 +/- 0.17 mm(2)/kPa vs 0.37 +/- 0.19 mm(2)/kPa, p = 0.02) were decreased in migraine patients compared with controls. Femoral artery compliance was decreased in migraine patients (1.19 +/- 0.55 mm(2)/kPa vs 1.42 +/- 0.59 mm(2)/kPa, p = 0.04). Carotid arterial wall properties were similar between groups. Aortic augmentation index was increased in migraine patients (4 +/- 10% vs -1 +/- 10%, adjusted p = 0.04). Flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery (normalized to peak shear rate) was decreased in patients with migraine (29 +/- 15 vs 37 +/- 15 10(-3)%. sec, p = 0.006).


CONCLUSIONS
Functional arterial properties are altered in patients with migraine of recent onset.
Vanmolkot
Floris H
FH
Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
Van Bortel
Luc M
LM
de Hoon
Jan N
JN
D000328:Adult; D001011:Aorta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D014463:Ultrasonography