[The measurement by high resolution ultrasound of the intima-media thickness at the carotis comunis artery: early marker of atherosclerosis].
Since 1986, published from the P. Pignoli's group in Italy, the measurement by B-Mode Ultrasound of the carotid Intima Media Thickness is considered a very important tool for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in epidemiological trials but also for pharmacological studies. After more than 20 years the improvement of the technology in Ultrasound systems and the computer semiautomatic assisted analysis has permitted the standardisation of the method as suggested in the Mannheim and Brussels 2004-2006 Consensus. In vivo carotid IMT analysis is probably the first step for the evaluation of beginning and early atherosclerosis even before detectable lesions defined as plaque are observed. In particular situations by patients with high cardiovascular risk, the measurement of the IMT can be helpful for the decision to treat them more aggressively even in primary prevention.
Tutta
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FMH Médecine interne et Angiologie, Melide.
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation*