Ultrasonographic vascular mechanics to assess arterial stiffness: a review

Rogério Teixeira, Maria João Vieira, Alexandra Gonçalves, Nuno Cardim, Lino Gonçalves
2015 European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging  
In recent years, the role of arterial stiffness in the development of cardiovascular diseases has been explored more extensively. Local arterial stiffness may be gauged via ultrasound, measuring pulse transit time relative to changing vessel diameters and distending pressures. Recently, direct vessel-wall tracking systems have been devised based on new ultrasonographic methodologies, such as tissue Doppler imaging and speckle-tracking analysis-vascular mechanics. These advances have been
more » ... ed in varying arterial distributions, are proved surrogates of pulse wave velocity, and are ascending in clinical importance. In the course of this review, we describe fundamental concepts and methodologies involved in ultrasound assessment of vascular mechanics. We also present relevant clinical studies and discuss the potential clinical utility of such diagnostic pursuits. ---
doi:10.1093/ehjci/jev287 pmid:26546802 fatcat:fnp5agbelnbflpguq4nagzzhv4