Screening asymptomatic subjects with subclinical arteriosclerotic lesions with arterial ultrasonic biopsy. The P.A.P. study.

Ultrasound Biopsy is a an effective screening method for detecting early, subclinical arteriosclerotic lesions. Carotid and femoral artery wall lesions are important markers of generalized cardiovascular disease. The evaluation of 4 arterial sites (both carotid and femoral arteries) gives a clue of the status of the whole cardiovascular system. In 27.9% of all patients the femoral lesions are present earlier or in a more advanced stage than carotid lesions. Different age groups have a different UB class distribution and score due to the progression with age of the disease. Early arterial lesions and small plaques are important indicators of silent coronary ischemia and cardiovascular events. The method has also an impact on patients' compliance. Subjects with early plaques shown by high resolution ultrasound are more impressed by this finding than by laboratory results.