Sonographic assessment of common and internal carotid arteries in type 1 diabetic patients

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is one of risk factors that cause carotid arteries atherosclerosis which occurs when lipoprotein accumulates in the intima of the artery. As atherosclerosis progresses it may completely occlude the artery lumen or plaque may rupture sending thrombus more distal, resulting in Transient Ischemic Attack or stroke. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the Common Carotid Arteries and Internal Carotid Arteries in adult Sudanese patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Material and methods: 108 participants were enrolled in the study; they were scanned with linear probe of (7-10 MHz). Intima-Media-Thickness (IMT), Caliper, peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), pulsatility index (PI) and Resistive Index (RI) were measured. Results: Intima-Media-ThicknessIMT in CCAs increased in Type 1 Diabetes; furthermore, it has been found to be significantly correlated to age and duration of diabetes. Pulsatility index (PI) also increased in diabetic patient. Other Doppler indices found to be within normal range. Conclusion Intima-Media-Thickness (IMT) and pulsatility index (PI) have been regarded as an early indicator of atherosclerosis in type 1 diabetes. IMT increases as the disease progresses, causing a range of macro and microvascular atherosclerosis-induced complications. Therefore ultrasound measurements can be considered as a noninvasive screening test and follow-up method in diabetic patients.