Comparison And Analysis Of The Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque Echogenicity In Patients With Hypertension And Hypertension Complicated With DM

Object The echogenicity of atherosclerotic carotid plaque in ultrasound image is an important reflection to its component and stability. In this paper, we want to compare the carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), mean plaque echogenicity in ultrasound image and some related factors in patients with hypertension and hypertension complicated with DM, then to analyze the difference of carotid artery plaque stability between these two groups of patients. The association of the mean carotid plaque echogenicity in ultrasound image with some risk factors and biochemical indicators is explored in the study.Methods The mean atherosclerotic carotid plaque echogenicity in ultrasound image in 117 patients, (44 with hypertension and 73 with hypertension and DM), was measured by DFY Software, using gray scale as the unit. Their IMT, maximum systolic blood pressure, 2h postprandial blood glucose, lipid, plasma fibrinogen and platelet were also recorded and compared. The association of the mean carotid plaque echogenicity in ultrasound image with gender,smoking and the indicators above is evaluated.Results IMT in the two groups was not significantly different(P >0.05). The mean echogenicity of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in ultrasound image in hypertension and DM group was obviously lower than that in hypertension group (P <0.01), and in this group, 2h postprandial blood glucose was obviously higher, HDL was lower. In all the observed indicators, the mean echogenicity in ultrasound image was correlated with smoking, 2h postprandial blood glucose,apoA1 and plasma fibrinogen. Conclusion Patients with hypertension and DM have moreecholucent carotid plaques in ultrasound image than those with only hypertesion. This plaque may be more unstable and easily to rupture, and cause stroke or other dangerous incidents. The main reason may be the increased postprandial blood glucose and the lower HDL. Overall, the mean plaque echogenicity in ultrasound image is probably due to smoking, 2h postprandial blood glucose, plasma fibrinogen, apoA1 and HDL.