Noninvasive measurement of early atherosclerosis by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography.

Development of sophisticated noninvasive methods permits the identification of asymptomatic subjects with early atherosclerosis. High-resolution B-mode ultrasound measurement of the intima-media thickness (IMT) is a safe and reproducible way of quantifying early changes in the arterial wall, mainly in the carotid arteries. Increased carotid IMT is associated with major cardiovascular risk factors and seems to be a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events, especially coronary artery disease.