Objectives The aim of our study is to evaluate the changes in the structural and elastic of the arteries in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with predialysisas by echo-tracking technique (ET).

Methods Thirty-nine CKD patients with predialysis were enrolled in the study and were subdivided into CKD stage 2–3 group (n = 19) and stage 4–5 group (n = 20). Forty healthy subjects were selected as the control group. The parameters of arterial structural and stiffness measured by echo-tracking technique were compared among groups: Intima-media thickness (IMT), stiffness parameter (β), pressure strain elastic modulus (Ep), arteria1 compliance (AC), augmentation index (AI), carotid pulse wave velocity (PWVβ), carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWVcf), carotid diameter (D). Furthermore, we explored the associated factors of arterial stiffness.

Results Compared with healthy group, PWVcf and D in stage 2–3 group were significantly increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.001), while PWVβ significantly were significantly increased in stage 4–5 (P < 0.05); compared with CKD 2–3 group, PWVcf and D were significantly increased in stage 4–5 (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) per 1.73m² were independent impact factors of PWVcf.

Conclusions Echo-tracking techniquecan assess the changes in vascular structure and elasticity in patients with chronic renal insufficiency in the early stage; it can provide valuable information for clinical treatment and prevention of cardiovascular complication.