Structural alterations of subcutaneous small resistance arteries, as indicated by an increased media to lumen (M/L) ratio, are frequently present in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients, and may represent the earliest alteration observed. In addition, M/L of small arteries evaluated by micromyography has a strong prognostic significance; however its extensive evaluation is limited by the invasivity of the assessment, since a biopsy of subcutaneous fat is needed. Non-invasive measurement of wall to lumen (W/L) of retinal arterioles using scanning laser doppler flowmetry (SLDF) has been recently introduced (Harazny J et al, Hypertension 2007; 50:623–629). However, this new technique was never compared with micromyographic measurement, considered the gold standard approach.

Methods and Results: We have investigated 37 subjects and patients. Twenty-three of them were hypertensives and 14 normotensives. Blood pressure values were 139/88±17/10 mmHg and 125/71±17/12 mm Hg, respectively (p<0.05). All patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during an elective surgical intervention. Subcutaneous small resistance arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire myograph, and M/L was measured. In addition, an evaluation of W/L of retinal arterioles by SLDF was performed (Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter, Heidelberg Engineering). A close correlation was observed between M/L of subcutaneous small arteries and WL of retinal arterioles: r=0.77, p<0.001 (see Figure).

Conclusion: A non invasive and easily repeatable procedure (intraobserver and interobserver variation coefficient around 10%) such as an evaluation of the arterioles in the fundus oculi by SDLF may provide similar information regarding microvascular morphology compared in respect with an invasive, accurate and prognostically relevant micromyographic measurement of M/L.