Velocity Vector Imaging to Assess Longitudinal Wall Motion of Adult Carotid Arteries

Objective We aimed to assess longitudinal wall motion of the common carotid artery (CCA) using velocity vector imaging (VVI). Methods From October 2018 to July 2019, we prospectively performed VVI of 204 CCAs (102 adult volunteers, 57 men, 45 women) in young (n = 40, 20-44 y), mid-age (n = 30, 45-64 y), and senior (n = 32, >= 65 y) groups. VVI parameters of CCA included longitudinal motion pattern, motion parameters (strain, strain rate, displacement), and time-to-peak motion parameters (time-to-peak strain, time-to-peak strain rate, time-to-peak displacement). Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA post-hoc testing to examine the difference in VVI parameters among the 3 age groups and in paired groups; unpairedttests to examine the difference in VVI parameters between CCAs with and without atherosclerotic plaque, between hypertensive and normotensive subjects without atherosclerotic plaque; linear regression to analyze correlations of VVI parameters to age, carotid intima-media thickness; and intraclass correlation coefficient to test inter- and intra-observer reliability in performing VVI of the CCA. Results Differences in VVI parameters and patterns among the 3 age groups, between hypertensive and normotensive, and CCAs with and without plaque were significant (p < 0.01). CCA motion- and time-to-peak motion parameters were correlated to age (R-2= 0.63-0.56) and carotid intima-media thickness (R-2= 0.29-0.22). CCA wall motion dyssynchrony was remarkable in seniors. The repeatability and reproducibility for performing carotid artery VVI were good (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.85). Conclusions VVI is feasible to assess changes in longitudinal CCA wall mechanical properties and synchrony with aging, atherosclerosis, and hypertension.

Automated summary

The study showed significant differences in VVI parameters and patterns among different age groups, hypertension status, and presence of atherosclerotic plaque in CCA. CCA motion and time-to-peak motion parameters were correlated with age and carotid intima-media thickness, with remarkable wall motion dyssynchrony in seniors. The repeatability and reproducibility for carotid artery VVI were good.