Vascular deformation in human atherosclerotic carotid artery evaluated by 2D analysis of ultrasonography

Abstract

Objectives: Common carotid artery (CCA) remodelling in the atherosclerosis process is an inherent necessary element that decreases the progress of significant lumen compromise. The present study used a semi-automated method to assess relationships of intima-media thickness (IMT), lumen diameter (LD) and inter-adventitial diameter (IAD) using ultrasound B-mode images of atherosclerotic carotid artery. Methods: In the cross-sectional study, 120 male subjects (age range: 40�60 years) were classified into four research groups namely control, mild, moderate, and severe stenosis. The maximum near and far wall IMT, mean of both walls� IMT and IAD, and also LD of the left CCA were extracted for all participants. Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to investigate relationships of IMT, LD, and IAD. Results: Results revealed that the maximum far and near wall IMT, mean of both walls� IMT and IAD in the CCA were significantly different in stenosis patients and the control group (p< 0.001). However, there were no significant differences among the four studied groups in terms of LD of CCA (p = 0.65). There was a stronger correlation between mean of both walls� IMT and IAD in comparison with mean far wall IMT and IAD (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Results indicated that changes of IAD in the left CCA were associated with carotid deformation, and thus it can be considered as a predictor of atherosclerosis process. © The Author(s) 2020