Detection of Early Vascular Atherosclerosis in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Ultrasound Radiofrequency-Data Technique

Objectives: To quantitatively evaluate changes in vascular elasticity and intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) with Ultrasound radiofrequency (RF)-data technology in asymptomatic patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and controls. Materials and methods: Thirty-seven T2DM patients and 39 controls were enrolled. Arterial elasticity and CCA-IMT were quantitatively assessed by RF-data technology. The CCA diameters in the diastolic and systolic phases, carotid distensibility (CD), IMT, values of stiffness (beta) and local pulse wave velocity (PWV beta) were measured and compared between the two groups. Results: The T2DM group had significantly larger CCA diastolic and systolic diameter, lower CD values, higher IMT measurements (all p < 0.001), and higher values of beta and PWV beta (all P < 0.05) than the controls. Significant differences were not revealed in the mean values of IMT, beta, PWV beta and CD across both sides of the CCA (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: Higher IMT measurement and lower arterial elasticity of the CCA are significantly pronounced in asymptomatic T2DM patients and may suggest atherosclerotic changes, and the ultrasound RF-data technique may be used as a potential approach for detection of early-stage atherosclerosis.