Shear Wave Elastography to Evaluate the Effect of Hemoperfusion on Carotid Artery Elasticity in Uremic Patients Treated With Hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use shear wave elastography (SWE) to evaluate the effect of hemoperfusion (HP) on carotid artery elasticity in uremic patients treated with hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: ), and peak systolic flow velocity (PSV) were measured. The wall motion degree (∆D) and the stiffness coefficient (β) were calculated. SWE-derived elastic moduli (MEmean, MEmax, and MEmin) were measured. Ten-year cardiovascular disease risk (10-year ASCVD risk) was calculated using the Framingham risk score (FRS). RESULTS: , ∆D, and PSV among the three groups (all p > 0.05). Uremic groups exhibited elevated BUN, Scr, BUA, TG, LDL-C, IMT, β, SWE parameters, and 10-year ASCVD risk compared to controls (p < 0.05). Group C showed significantly higher BUN, Scr, BUA, TC, TG, LDL-C, SWE values, and 10-year ASCVD risk than Group B (p < 0.05), though IMT and β did not differ. SWE parameters correlated positively with LDL-C, IMT, β, and 10-year ASCVD risk (all r > 0.372, p < 0.01), and demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy (AUCs: 0.919-0.953) compared to conventional measures. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that SWE is helpful in quantitatively assessing the change in carotid artery elasticity. It could be a useful method for monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis in uremic patients undergoing HD with or without HP and may provide guidance for clinicians to identify individuals at heightened cardiovascular risk.