Abstract

SOTOMAYOR GONZALEZ, Arturo et al. Non-invasive assessment of endothelial function. Intra and inter-observer variability. Arch. Cardiol. Méx. [online]. 2006, vol.76, n.4, pp.397-400. ISSN 1665-1731.

Background and objectives: Non-invasive evaluation of endothelial function with high resolution ultrasound has become a widely accepted tool in determination of high risk subjects for early atherosclerosis. Despite its simple appearance, ultrasonographic assessment of brachial artery changes, is technically challenging and has a significant learning curve. In the present study, we evaluate the intra and inter-observer variability in assessing peripheral endothelial function with high resolution ultrasound at a tertiary referral center. Methods: Assessment of endothelial function was performed by 2 physicians in 20 volunteers without evidence of coronary artery disease. Endothelial function is evaluated with a high frequency bidimensional ultrasound with a 10.0-MHz linear-array transducer used for the study. Each volunteer was examined by both observers using an identical protocol, measuring brachial artery diameter on three occasions. Results: Excellent correlation was observed for all brachial artery measures with a Spearman's correlation coefficient > 0.9 (p < 0.0001). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the study population was of 10.45 ± 6.9%. Flow independent dilation (FID) was of 24.35 ± 7.63%. Intra-observer variability was of 2.1 % for observer A and 1.1 % for observer B. Conclusions: Non-invasive assessment of endothelial function using brachial artery ultrasound is reproducible and can be performed with low intra and inter-observer variability.

Keywords : Inter-observer variability; Endothelial function; Flow-mediated dilation.

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