Carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in relation to cerebral small vessel disease in neurologically asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes

Aims To determine if arterial functional and structural changes are associated with underlying cerebral small vessel disease in neurologically asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes. Methods We enrolled 186 individuals (47.8% men; median age 40.0, IQR 33.0-45.0 years) with type 1 diabetes (median diabetes duration of 21.6, IQR 18.2-30.3 years), and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, as part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study. All individuals underwent a biochemical work-up, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound of the common carotid arteries and arterial tonometry. Arterial structural and functional parameters were assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. Results Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were present in 23.7% and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in 16.7% of individuals with type 1 diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes and CMBs had higher median (IQR) CIMT 583 (525 - 663) mu m than those without 556 (502 - 607) mu m, p = 0.016). Higher CIMT was associated with the presence of CMBs (p = 0.046) independent of age, eGFR, ApoB, systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, history of retinal photocoagulation and HbA(1c). Arterial stiffness and CIMT were increased in individuals with type 1 diabetes and WMHs compared to those without; however, these results were not independent of cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions Structural, but not functional, arterial changes are associated with underlying CMBs in asymptomatic individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Automated summary

The study found that cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were present in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The presence of CMBs was associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), while individuals with WMHs had increased arterial stiffness and CIMT, but these associations were not independent of cardiovascular risk factors.