Distensibility coefficient of the common carotid artery in acute cerebral infarct by M-mode ultrasound: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Distensibility coefficient (DC) is abnormal in most cases of acute cerebral infarct patients. Intima-media thickness (IMT) is measured by B (brightness)-mode and distensibility by M (motion)-mode ultrasound. DC is not routinely measured in clinical practice even though it is the earliest functional change to occur in common carotid arteries. IMT represents structural change and DC represents functional changes that occur in common carotid. Aim: DC is a valid independent indicator for risk assessment of acute cerebral infarcts. The present study is aimed at knowing the association of abnormal DC with acute cerebral infarct patients. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was undertaken over a period of 9 months with 210 cases of acute cerebral infarct. Distensibility of common carotid artery was measured by M-mode ultrasound. Cramer's V value ranged from 0.0 to 1.0 and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: DC was reduced in 62.8% of the total 210 cases of acute cerebral infarct. Maximum cases (38%) were in the age groups of 61–70 years. Cramer's V value ranged from <15 to <24 × 10−3 kPa (P < 0.001). There was a good association between reduced DC and acute cerebral infarct in the present study. Conclusion: DC is a valid independent risk factor for acute cerebral infarct. DC represents functional vessel wall property and decreases with age. M-mode-derived measurements for DC are valid, and abnormal DC value is associated well with acute cerebral infarct.