Femoral artery ultrasound is increasingly being used as a diagnostic tool for measuring the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This non-invasive procedure involves using high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the femoral artery and provides a reliable measure of vascular disease in the legs. By examining the femoral artery, physicians can gain valuable insights into a patient’s overall cardiovascular health and develop appropriate treatment plans to manage CAD and prevent further complications. In this article, we will explore the role of femoral artery ultrasound in the evaluation of CAD in patients with T2DM and how it can inform clinical decision-making. Additionally, we will discuss the potential benefits of using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in conjunction with ultrasound imaging to enhance results and improve patient outcomes.
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide, with China being one of the countries with a high proportion of the population affected by type 2 DM (T2DM). By 2045, the number of people suffering from T2DM will increase to more than 600 million globally. DM is associated with increased risk of vascular diseases, which is independent of other conventional risk factors. Hormonal and physiological abnormalities related to DM contribute to the development of vascular complications, including oxidative stress, insulin resistance, generation of reactive oxygen species, advanced glycation end products, and increased inflammatory cytokine production. T2DM not only increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) but also affects the severity and prognosis of ASCVD. However, various studies have shown that although DM is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), it cannot be considered as the “CAD risk equivalent” for all DM patients.
The usefulness of CVD screening in asymptomatic patients with T2DM for cardiovascular risk has been debated, and most guidelines do not recommend routine evaluation in asymptomatic patients. The lack of consensus on this issue has led researchers to investigate the predictive value of various non-invasive measures of peripheral atherosclerosis in the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) among long-term T2DM patients.
This study retrospectively enrolled T2DM patients who underwent first coronary angiography and carotid ultrasound from January 2020 to June 2022 at the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated for clinical characteristics, laboratory data, femoral and carotid atherosclerosis, and carotid plaque score. The Gensini score system was used to measure the severity of CAD.
Of the 245 patients included in the study, 165 were diagnosed with CAD. Smoking, femoral artery plaque, higher CPS, and Gensini score were significantly associated with CAD. Age, duration of T2DM, total cholesterol, HDL-C, and C-IMT tended to be higher in CAD patients, but the differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in gender, BMI, hypertension, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, or LDL-C between patients with or without CAD.
The study also explored the possible risk factors for CAD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that smoking, femoral artery plaque, and higher CPS were independent risk factors for CAD in long-term T2DM patients.
In conclusion, this study provides insight into the predictive value of non-invasive measures of peripheral atherosclerosis in the presence and severity of CAD among long-term T2DM patients. The findings may have implications for risk stratification and the prevention of cardiovascular events in this patient population.
In conclusion, Femoral artery ultrasound for CAD in T2DM is a non-invasive and effective method for detecting early signs of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a contrast agent has enhanced the accuracy of this diagnostic tool and allowed for better visualization of the arterial walls. With timely detection and intervention, patients can receive the necessary treatment to prevent the progression of CAD and maintain a healthy quality of life. Thus, if you’re living with type 2 diabetes mellitus, it’s essential to consider regular Femoral artery ultrasound screenings as a means of preventative care.
