Evaluation of Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Resistive Index by High Resolution Ultrasound in Hypertensive Patients and Normotensive Subjects –A Comparative Study

• Main Authors: P. Sathish Prabhu, Venkatraman Indiran, Prabakaran Maduraimuthu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Pvt. Ltd. 2016-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Anatomy Radiology and Surgery
• Subjects: atherosclerosis; carotid doppler; ultrasonography
• Online Access: http://www.ijars.net/articles/PDF/2111/17-%2017107_F(P)_PF1(Om)_PFA(Om)_PF2(PVSU).pdf

Introduction: Intima media thickness (IMT) and Resistive index (RI)of common carotid artery are known to reflect the whole body vascular system atherosclerosis. Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for atherosclerosis. There are limited numbers of studies assessing these parameters in hypertensive patients in Indian population. Aim: To assess and compare common carotid artery (CCA) Intima-media thickness (IMT) and associated Resistive index (RI) changes in hypertensive patients and normotensive subjects using high frequency ultrasound and colour Doppler. Materials and Methods: Total of hundred patients were studied over a period of one year. Out of hundred, sixty were hypertensives (less than two years duration) and forty were normotensives. Gray scale and duplex sonography of carotid arteries were performed on both sides using high frequency transducer. IMT measurement, color flow mapping and RI measurement were done in both distal CCA. The results obtained in hypertensive patients were compared with that of normotensives. Results: Common carotid artery IMT in normotensives was 0.50mm and 0.49 mm for the right and left sides respectively. RI in normotensives was 0.55 on both the sides. IMT in hypertensives was 0.96mm and 0.97mm for right and left sides respectively. RI in hypertensives was 0.67 on both the sides. So, Intima media thickness and Resistive index in hypertensives were significantly increased in hypertensives as compared to normotensives. Conclusion: Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Changes in IMT as a morphological parameter and RI as a hemodynamic parameter may aid in early diagnosis of atherosclerosis of the vascular system. These parameters can be assessed safely, easily, accurately and in an inexpensive way using high frequency ultrasound and Doppler. Our study revealed that IMT and RI of CCA were significantly increased in all hypertensive patients compared with normotensives and it is ideal to assess both IMT and RI together.