Korean J Intern Med.  2022 Jan;37(1):109-118. 10.3904/kjim.2020.685.

Reference diameter and characteristics of the distal radial artery based on ultrasonographic assessment

• Lee JW
• Son JW
• Go TH
• Kang DR
• Lee SJ
• Kim SE
• Cho DH
• Park YJ
• Youn YJ
• Ahn MS
• Ahn SG
• Kim JY
• Yoo BS
• Yoon J
• Lee SH

• KMID: 2524246
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2020.685

Abstract

Background/Aims
While distal radial artery (DRA) access is increasingly being used for diagnostic coronary angiography, limited information is available regarding DRA size. We aimed to determine the DRA reference diameters of Korean patients and identify the predictors of DRA diameter < 2.3 mm.
Methods
The outer bilateral DRA diameters were assessed using a linear ultrasound probe in 1,162 consecutive patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The DRA diameter was measured by the perpendicular angle in the dorsum of the hand, and the average values were compared by sex. DRA diameter < 2.3 mm was defined as unsuitable for routine diagnostic coronary angiography using a 5 Fr introducer sheath.
Results
The mean DRA diameters were 2.31 ± 0.43 mm (right) and 2.35 ± 0.45 mm (left). The DRA was smaller in women than men (right: 2.15 ± 0.38 mm vs. 2.43 ± 0.44 mm, p < 0.001; left: 2.18 ± 0.39 mm vs. 2.47 ± 0.45 mm, p < 0.001). The DRA diameter was approximately 20% smaller than the radial artery diameter. A total of 630 (54.2%) and 574 (49.4%) patients had DRA diameter < 2.3 mm in the right and left hands, respectively. Female sex, low body mass index (BMI), and low body surface area (BSA) were significant predictors of DRA diameter < 2.3 mm.
Conclusions
We provided reference DRA diameters for Korean patients. Approximately 50% of the studied patients had DRA diameter < 2.3 mm. Female sex, low BMI, and low BSA remained significant predictors of DRA diameter < 2.3 mm.

Keyword

Radial artery; Ultrasonography; Body mass index; Body surface area