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Use of B-Mode Ultrasound to Examine Preclinical Markers of Atherosclerosis: Image Quality May Bias Associations Between Adiposity and Measures of Vascular Structure and Function
Citation
Magnussen, CG and Thomson, R and Juonala, M and Viikari, JSA and Dwyer, T and Raitakari, OT and Venn, A, Use of B-Mode Ultrasound to Examine Preclinical Markers of Atherosclerosis: Image Quality May Bias Associations Between Adiposity and Measures of Vascular Structure and Function , Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 30, (3) pp. 363-369. ISSN 0278-4297 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2011 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Official URL: http://www.jultrasoundmed.org/
DOI: doi:10.7863/jum.2011.30.3.363
Abstract
Objective—The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adiposity
measures, ultrasound image quality, and preclinical markers of atherosclerosis in
young adults.
Methods—B-mode ultrasound was used to obtain common carotid intima-media thickness
and common carotid artery distensibility of 2265 and 1313 adults aged 24 to 39
years in two population-based studies: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns and
Childhood Determinants of Adult Health studies. Qualitative assessments of ultrasound
image quality were obtained from each study (scored as 1, excellent; 2, average; and 3,
poor) based on the ability to detect arterial interfaces and the amount of noise present
in the image.
Results—Increased adiposity was associated with significantly increased odds (all P <
.05) of average or poor carotid ultrasound image quality. Reduced image quality was
associated with lower intima-media thickness in Young Finns (regression coefficient =
–0.029; P = .01) and higher intima-media thickness in Childhood Determinants of
Adult Health (regression coefficient = 0.013; P = .03) and lower distensibility levels in
both studies (Young Finns, â = –.494; P < .01; Childhood Determinants of Adult
Health: â = –.195; P < .01). We observed no differences (bias) in the association between
adiposity measures and carotid intima-media thickness by image quality, but
there was some evidence suggesting that the association between adiposity measures
and carotid distensibility differed by image quality.
Conclusions—Adiposity affects ultrasound image quality and has the potential to bias
associations between adiposity and preclinical markers of atherosclerosis. Studies examining
adiposity and ultrasound-derived measures of atherosclerosis should consider
taking steps during the design and analysis phase to adequately account for variations
in image quality to avoid any potential bias.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | adiposity; bias; B-mode ultrasound; carotid intima-media thickness; image quality; preclinical atherosclerosis |
| Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Cardiorespiratory Medicine and Haematology |
| Research Field: | Cardiology (incl. Cardiovascular Diseases) |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions) |
| Objective Field: | Cardiovascular System and Diseases |
| Author: | Magnussen, CG (Dr Costan Magnussen) |
| Author: | Thomson, R (Dr Russell Thomson) |
| Author: | Venn, A (Professor Alison Venn) |
| ID Code: | 70501 |
| Year Published: | 2011 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 9 |
| Deposited By: | Menzies Institute for Medical Research |
| Deposited On: | 2011-06-23 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-03 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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