472-76 | Measuring Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Young Adults Born Preterm: Comparison of Manual Verses Semi-Automated B-Mode Ultrasound-JVU 472-76

JVU 472-76

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A study published in the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound compared manual and semi-automated B-mode ultrasound techniques for measuring carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in young adults born preterm. IMT is an early marker of atherosclerosis. The study aimed to determine the reliability of the two techniques and their ability to identify early vascular changes in this population.<br /><br />The study included 86 adults born preterm and 85 adults born full-term. Carotid IMT was measured using both manual and semi-automated techniques. The analysis included the correlation between the techniques, relationships with prematurity status, age, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic and respiratory comorbidities.<br /><br />The results showed that the semi-automated technique had better intra-observer agreement and was more reproducible than the manual technique. Both techniques moderately correlated with each other. IMT measurements obtained using either technique did not detect any differences based on prematurity status and did not correlate with age but moderately correlated with BMI.<br /><br />The study concluded that the semi-automated technique is recommended due to its better reproducibility. However, it is important to adhere to a single technique for risk stratification and follow-up in young adults born prematurely. The study identified variance in results based on different measurement techniques and highlighted the need for consistent technique usage in this population.<br /><br />Overall, the study provides insight into the measurement of carotid IMT in young adults born preterm, emphasizing the importance of using reliable and consistent techniques for assessing cardiovascular risk in this population.

Keywords

vascular ultrasound

carotid intima-media thickness

atherosclerosis

preterm birth

manual technique

semi-automated technique

intra-observer agreement

reproducibility

risk stratification

cardiovascular risk