Aortic intima-media thickness measured by trans-abdominal ultrasound as an early life marker of subclinical atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that begins in early life. Improved identification of markers of early atherosclerosis via neonatal aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) measurement may allow the development of interventions to prevent or reduce later cardiovascular disease. Conclusion Using aIMT, studies have shown that antenatal factors such as intra-uterine growth retardation, prematurity, maternal factors and inflammation are associated with early cardiovascular changes.