Cardiovascular disease in diabetes: noninvasive detection

Purpose of review Advances in noninvasive medical technology have led to a more aggressive pursuit of cardiovascular disease detection in patients with diabetes mellitus. Clinical studies measuring carotid intima-media thickness, arterial stiffness, and coronary artery calcification have documented early markers of cardiovascular disease. Such markers have gained popularity for clinical use. In this review, we intend to discuss the most recent studies using noninvasive technology for detection and monitoring of cardiovascular disease as it pertains to patients with diabetes mellitus. Recent findings Studies published in the review period have used several state-of-the-art noninvasive techniques to monitor subclinical cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes including carotid intima-media thickness to evaluate carotid atherosclerosis; pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis to measure arterial stiffness; and electron beam computerized tomography to evaluate coronary artery calcification. Studies in non-diabetics using brachial distensibility and magnetic resonance angiography have promising results and may lead to useful application in the diabetes mellitus population in the future. Summary Noninvasive testing is being redefined to include new techniques for detection and monitoring of cardiovascular disease. In the appropriate clinical setting, these tests offer novel approaches to monitoring; each with its own benefits and caveats. Further study and refinement of techniques will lead to increased applicability and increase the ability for early detection of subclinical cardiovascular disease.