Ultra sonographic indices of the carotid artery in healthy adult population of southwest, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: atherosclerosis develops insidiously, offering time and opportunities for early detection. Screening for subclinical atherosclerosis via structural wall changes and flow velocities among apparently healthy adults using carotid ultrasonography may help its early detection, offer timely intervention and reduce morbidity and mortality. METHODS: a cross-sectional study of 100 participants with a mean age of 56.1 ± 6.9 years, were enrolled from a community population. Both carotid arteries were examined for plaques, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and flow velocities - peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistive index (RI) using 4-12MHz linear array transducer. Visceral obesity, serum lipids, and blood glucose were also evaluated and correlated with ultrasound findings. RESULTS: the mean CIMT was 0.07 ± 0.02cm and 15% of the participants had increased CIMT. Statistically significance but weak correlations were observed between CIMT and FBG (r = 0.199, p = 0.047), EDV (r =0.204, p= 0.041), PI (r = -0.287, p = 0.004) and RI (r = -0.268, p =0.007). Statistically significance with modest correlations were observed between EDV and PSV (r = 0.48, p = 0.000), PI (r = -0.635, p = 0.000) and RI (r = -0.637, p = 0.000). The PI and RI showed strong correlation with statistical significance (r= 0.972, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: statistical significance in the flow velocities, derived flow indices and increased CIMT may be an early indication of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, ultrasonography may facilitate its early detection and possible prevention of complications.