P2.17 ECHOGENICITY OF THE COMMON CAROTID ARTERY INTIMA-MEDIA COMPLEX IN STROKE

Abstract

Introduction: Grey scale median of the carotid artery intima-media complex (IM-GSM) is a recently introduced measurement thought to reflect the composition of the arterial wall. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) has been shown to be a predictor of a future stroke incidence, but the relationship between IM-GSM and stroke is unclear. This study therefore examined IM-GSM in individuals with stroke. Methods: Fifty-seven healthy individuals (CONTROL: 64.1±7.8yrs, 26F) and 96 individuals with cerebrovascular disease (either stroke or transient ischemic attack) diagnosed within 3 months before the study visit (CRVD: 68.6±9.8yrs, 30F) were included in this study. Common carotid artery diameter and far-wall IMT images were obtained using a Doppler ultrasound machine. IMT and IM-GSM were analyzed using semi-automated edge-detection software. Results: Carotid diameter and IMT were greater in CRVD than CONTROL (all p<0.005). IM-GSM was significantly higher in CONTROL than CRVD (119.5±27.3au vs 105.8±30.3au, p<0.01). IMT and IM-GSM were similar between the carotid arteries of the affected and unaffected sides in CRVD. In a pooled data set, there was a significant reduction in IMT (r=−0.53) and wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR; r=−0.50) with the increase in the quartiles of IM-GSM (both p<0.001). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that IM-GSM was lower in CRVD than CONTROL, and the level of IM-GSM appeared to be systemic in CRVD. The inverse association observed between IMT, WLR and IM-GSM may suggest an alteration in carotid artery wall composition with the degree of arterial remodelling.