title: Intima media thickness measurement in children: A statement from the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology (AEPC) Working Group on Cardiovascular Prevention endorsed by the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology.
abstract: Atherosclerosis causing cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in the developed world. Early precursors of vascular changes - subclinical atherosclerosis - warrant special attention as this process can be stabilized or even reversed if treated in time. Sonographic Intima Media Thickness measurement of the carotid artery (cIMT: carotid Intima-Media-Thickness) is considered a valid surrogate marker for cardiovascular risk allowing assessment of atherosclerotic changes at a very early stage. It is easy to apply due to its non-invasive character. Moreover, cIMT has been proven to provide reliable and reproducible results both in adult and adolescent patients. For the paediatric age group, several characteristics deserve special consideration. The heterogeneity of techniques of scanning, measurement and interpretation impede the comparison and interpretation of IMT values so far. Also, age- and sex-dependent normative data have to be considered for interpretation. Thus, the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology (AEPC) Working Group on Cardiovascular Prevention concludes to refer a statement on cIMT scanning, measurement and interpretation with special focus on paediatric patients. This statement includes an overview on normative data available as well as a practical guideline for the setting, scanning, measurement and interpretation of IMT values. Synchronizing different measurement methods will allow for comparing the results of several research centers. By that, in a large patient number, sufficient information may be given to assess the long-term endpoints of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Ludwig Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, D-81377 Munich, Germany. Electronic address: Robert.DallaPozza@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dalla Pozza
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Paediatrics, Landesklinikum Wiener Neustadt, Corvinusring 3-5, A-2700 Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Electronic address: doris.ehringer-schetitska@wienerneustadt.lknoe.at.
authors.forename: Doris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ehringer-Schetitska
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Paediatric Cardiology, University Childrens Hospital, Auenbrugger Platz 34, A-8036 Graz, Austria. Electronic address: Peter.Fritsch@medunigraz.at.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fritsch
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Paediatric Cardiology, Childrens Hospital, University of Helsinki, Stenbäckinkatu 11, FIN-00029 Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: tuula.eero.jokinen@kolumbus.fi.
authors.forename: Eero
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jokinen
authors.affiliation: Merkezi Klinika, AZ 1005 Baku, Azerbaijan. Electronic address: andrepetropoulos@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petropoulos
authors.affiliation: Institute of Preventive Paediatrics, Technical University of Munich, Uptown Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, D-80992 Munich, Germany. Electronic address: renate.oberhoffer@tum.de.
authors.forename: Renate
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Oberhoffer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002309:Cardiology / Q000592:standards*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D059168:Carotid Intima-Media Thickness / Q000592:standards*; D002648:Child; D032921:Consensus; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Carotid ultrasound; Intima media thickness; Preventive medicine; Subclinical atherosclerosis