Effect of diabetes and diabetes associated with hyperlipiodemia on atherosclerosis of carotid and vertebral arteries

Objective To investigate the effect of diabetes and diabetes associated with hyperlipiodemia on the atherosclerosis of carotid and vertebral arteries using color Doppler ultrasonography. Methods A total of 131 cases included 33 diabetes patients(DM), 58 diabetes associated with hyperlipiodemia patients (DH) and 40 control subjects underwent color Doppler ultrasonography. Intima-media thickness (IMT) in common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) and its bifurcation (BIMT), plaque and hemodynamic indices were respectively measured in common carotid artery and its bifurcation, internal carotid artery and vertebral artery. Results The IMT was higher in DM and DH groups than that in the control group, with the highest in DH among the three groups. The incidences of carotid plaque in DM, DH and control group were 48.0%, 50.0% and 25%, respectively. Compared with the control group, the PSV/EDV and volume were lower, and the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were higher in DM and DH groups. There were positive relations between the level of the blood sugar and lipid in serum and Intima-media thickness, PI and RI. Conclusion Diabetes associated with hyperlipiodemia would make atherosclerosis, and lead to a lower vascular stretch and a higher vascular resistance.