Arterial Plaques in Peripheral Arteries Diagnosed by Ultrasound in a Cohort of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center Surveillance

Abstract

Macroangiopathy (eg, peripheral arterial disease) diagnosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be carried out by ultrasound. A surveillance study was performed in 366 consecutive patients (166 patients with T2DM and 200 non-T2DM) aiming to evaluate the frequency of single or multiple arterial plaques (Aplqs) in lower limbs and the relationship with different factors (age, duration of T2DM, glycemic balance, DM treatment, smoking habit, and microalbuminuria). Single and multiple Aplqs, respectively, were found in 10.2% and 38.6% among the patients with T2DM. Age, male gender (P < .0002), duration of T2DM (P < .009), insulin therapy (P < .03), and mediocalcinosis (P < .001) were risk factors in patients with T2DM. In conclusion, Aplqs of lower limbs are frequent in T2DM and several factors can play a determining role. Ultrasound is a helpful diagnostic tool.

Keywords: arterial plaque; peripheral arterial disease; risk factors; surveillance; type 2 diabetes; ultrasound.