Background: Some studies have shown the interest of measuring central blood pressure (CBP), which can be lowered differently by drugs at same systemic BP response. CBP is usually measured noninvasively by the Sphygmocor® device using applanation tonometry on radial artery. Nevertheless, CBP can be calculated with echotracking at the common carotid artery (CCA) assuming the fact that the distension waveform is similar to a pressure curve.

Objectives: To analyse the accordance between CBP measured by the Sphygmocor® and by echotracking.

Materials and Methods: CBP measurements were performed on 115 patients of the unit. Applanation tonometry was performed on radial artery and CBP was estimated by the onboard transfer function of the Sphygmocor®. Echotracking measurements were performed on right CCA (ART.LAB) and treated to obtain Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Pulse Pressure (PP). Pearson’s correlation and Bland and Altman graph were performed.

Results: We showed a 14 mmHg overestimation of central SBP and PP by echotracking compared to applanation tonometry.

The correlations between central BP estimated by transfer function and systolic blood pressure calculated by echotracking were good (SBP: R²=0,81; PP: R²=0,66, p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study has shown a good agreement between the two techniques to calculate central SBP in spite of a 14 mmHg overestimation by echotracking. As applanation tonometry has been shown to underestimate central pressure, echotracking could be the best technique to measure it. But more patients should be performed.