Non-invasive assessment of endothelial function. Intra and inter-observer variability
Arch. cardiol. Méx
;
76(4): 397-400, oct.-dic. 2006.
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-568609
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-invasive evaluation of endothelial function with high resolution ultrasound has become a widely accepted tool in determination of high risk subjects for early atherosclerosis. Despite its simple appearance, ultrasonographic assessment of brachial artery changes, is technically challenging and has a significant learning curve. In the present study, we evaluate the intra and inter-observer variability in assessing peripheral endothelial function with high resolution ultrasound at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Assessment of endothelial function was performed by 2 physicians in 20 volunteers without evidence of coronary artery disease. Endothelial function is evaluated with a high frequency bidimensional ultrasound with a 10.0-MHz linear-array transducer used for the study. Each volunteer was examined by both observers using an identical protocol, measuring brachial artery diameter on three occasions. RESULTS: Excellent correlation was observed for all brachial artery measures with a Spearman's correlation coefficient > 0.9 (p < 0.0001). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the study population was of 10.45+/-6.9%. Flow independent dilation (FID) was of 24.35+/-7.63%. Intra-observer variability was of 2.1% for observer A and 1.1 % for observer B. CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive assessment of endothelial function using brachial artery ultrasound is reproducible and can be performed with low intra and inter-observer variability.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Brachial Artery
/
Endothelium, Vascular
Type of study:
Evaluation studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Arch. cardiol. Méx
Journal subject:
Cardiology
Year:
2006
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Mexico
Institution/Affiliation country:
Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia lgnacio Chávez/MX
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