Use of carotid ultrasound for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improved Cardio Risk Assessment - Image Analysis of ultrasound derived Carotid Intima-media thickness in correlation with associated cardiac biomarkers
IRAS ID
254901
Contact name
Kathryn Owen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 22 days
Research summary
The title of this PhD is; Improved Cardio Risk Assessment - Image Analysis of ultrasound derived Carotid Intima-media thickness in correlation with associated cardiac biomarkers. According to the World Health Organisation cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the number 1 cause of death globally. In 2012, 17.5 MM died from CVDs, representing 31 % of all global deaths. Currently CVD is diagnostically confirmed with the use of Cat Scans or by clinical interventions in the catheterisation laboratory. These are expensive, resource heavy, involve radiation and create long waiting lists.
The aim of this study is to investigate whether measurements of the carotid artery and plaque assessment, by way of non-evasive carotid ultrasound, can be equally helpful in diagnostically confirming the presence of atherosclerosis, which is the name given to the narrowing or the arteries due to the build up of a fatty deposit or plaque, and its degree of severity. The intention is to enrol those patients with risk factors for CVD and that are scheduled to have a CT scan or cardiac intervention as part of their natural care plan. The study will be conducted on day case patients at the catheterisation laboratory at Craigavon Area Hospital and patients attending a CT Scan appointment at the South Tyrone Hospital. The study will last no longer than two years. The patients will only need to be seen once and results will be available once the full quota of patients is achieved. The patients will complete a short questionnaire; provide measurements such as BP, height and waist measurements as well as the carotid ultrasound measurement. Achieving this measurement is non-invasive and requires the patient to lie flat on a bed; a small amount of cold gel will be placed on an ultrasound probe and placed on the patients neck will mild pressure. The procedure will not be uncomfortable.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/2086
Date of REC Opinion
19 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion