Extensive or restricted ultrasound protocols to measure carotid intima-media thickness: analysis of completeness rates and impact on observed rates of change over time

Ultrasound protocols to measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) vary considerably with regard to carotid sites and angles that are assessed. Measurements from the carotid bifurcation and internal carotid artery are thought to be affected by large numbers of missing data. Actual published quantification of completeness rates and the relation with cardiovascular risk factors, however, is scarce. Also, it is currently unknown whether extensive ultrasound protocols including assessment of the carotid bifurcation and internal carotid artery add information in detecting rate of change in CIMT induced by drug therapy. These issues were addressed in this study using data from Measuring Effects on Intima-Media Thickness: An Evaluation of Rosuvastatin (METEOR).status: publishe