Özet:

Objective: The newly introduced ultrasonographic based speckle tracking carotid strain (STCS) imaging method is a promising technique that enables cardiovascular risk assessment by measuring arterial stiffness and strain parameters in carotid arteries. The present study evaluates the application of this technique in an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient group. Materials and Methods: In total, 100 patients (50 ESRD, 50 controls) were included in this study. Arterial stiffness and strain parameters were measured in the longitudinal and axial planes from both carotid arteries with the STCS technique. The measurements were analyzed between the groups and a multiple regression model was implemented to identify independent predictors of carotid stiffness and strain parameters. Results: The study found a significant difference between ESRD and the control group in β-stiffness index, arterial distensibility (AD), elastic modulus and pulse wave velocity both in longitudinal and axial plane for stiffness parameters. Strain parameters for radial and circumferential strain parameters for both planes were significantly different between the two groups. In the multivariate linear regression analyse, estimated glomerular filtration rate was positively and independently associated with both axial and longitudinal AD and arterial compliance (all p<0.05). Conclusion: The study demonstrated the feasibility and clinical value of the STCS method in the assessment of vascular stiffness, and its potential use as a tool in cardiovascular risk assessment in an ESRD patient group.

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