Evaluation of arteriosclerosis progression with ultrasonic biopsy and intima-media thickness measurements.

Noninvasive ultrasonic biopsy (UB) can be used to classify arteriosclerotic lesions and their progression in the carotid and femoral bifurcation. Six UB classes have been defined. The rate of progression (ROP) to the next UB class in four years has been defined in 1270 normal subjects: it was 1.4% from class I to class II, 3.1% from II to III, 10.7% from III to IV, 17.9% from IV to V and 79.2% from class V to VI. In high risk subjects (HRS)--305 hyperlipidemics, 269 diabetics and 381 hypertensives--the ROP in 4 years was significantly higher considering all classes. This finding was matched by a more significant increase in intima-media thickness (IMT) increase in HRS in comparison with normal subjects. In conclusion UB and IMT measurements can be used to monitor arteriosclerosis progression. HRS have a comparable increase in ROP and IMT in four years indicating rapid progression in comparison with normals. UB appear to be more effective in evaluating progression when plaques and wall irregularities make IMT measurements difficult.