June 2, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology4,605 citations
Guidelines for the ultrasound assessment of endothelial-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery
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Key Result
High-resolution ultrasonography of the brachial artery provides a noninvasive method to assess endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation, with guidelines provided for its research application.
Key Points
- To establish clear guidelines for performing ultrasound assessments of flow-mediated vasodilation in the brachial artery.
- Developed standardized protocols for ultrasound imaging techniques and patient positioning.
- Outlined measurement criteria for assessing endothelial-dependent vasodilation in the brachial artery.
- Standardized guidelines improve accuracy and consistency in assessing flow-mediated vasodilation.
- Implementation of these guidelines enhances vascular health monitoring in clinical settings.
Structured PICO
I
Intervention
High-frequency ultrasonographic imaging of the brachial artery to assess endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD)
Provides state-of-the-art information and guidelines for the research application of high-resolution ultrasonography of the brachial artery to evaluate vasomotor function.
Limitations
- Technical and interpretive limitations of the technique
- technical and interpretive limitations of the technique
Abstract
Endothelial function is thought to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart failure. In the 1990s, high-frequency ultrasonographic imaging of the brachial artery to assess endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was developed. The technique provokes the release of nitric oxide, resulting in vasodilation that can be quantitated as an index of vasomotor function. The noninvasive nature of the technique allows repeated measurements over time to study the effectiveness of various interventions that may affect vascular health. However, despite its widespread use, there are technical and interpretive limitations of this technique. State-of-the-art information is presented and insights are provided into the strengths and limitations of high-resolution ultrasonography of the brachial artery to evaluate vasomotor function, with guidelines for its research application in the study of endothelial physiology.
Cite This Study
Corretti et al. (2002) conducted a review in Endothelial dysfunction. High-frequency ultrasonographic imaging of the brachial artery was evaluated. High-resolution ultrasonography of the brachial artery provides a noninvasive method to assess endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation, with guidelines provided for its research application.