[B-mode ultrasonography scanning main arteries of upper limbs in vibration disease patients].

The objective was to use B-mode ultrasonography for assessing vascular walls of upper limbs main arteries in vibration disease patients. Imaging of the arterial walls revealed changes concerning increased intima-media complex (IMC). Ratio of IMC to vascular diameter was considerably higher in vibration disease patients--0.233 +/- 0.013 vs control value of 0.156 +/- 0.014 (p < 0.01). Vibration could result in destruction of some endothelial cells and significant release of endothelial growth factors.