Ultrasound diagnostics of peripheral artery disease in HIV-infected patients

Abstract:

HIV infection increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) because it impaires endothelial vascular function. Certain groups of antiretroviral drugs are associated with the development of metabolic diseases and consequently promote atherogenesis. Ultrasound is a very good method for detection of medial and intimal arterial calcification as well as in the occlusive PAD detection. Clinicians need to be aware of the association of HIV-infection and PAD developiment risk of and refer HIV-infected patients to routine vascular ultrasound scans to improve their care.

Key words:
HIV-infection; intimal arterial calcification; medial arterial calcification; peripheral artery disease; vascular ultrasound