Evaluation of Diameter Changes, Stress-strain Elastic Modulus and Stiffness in Normal and Atherosclerotic Common Carotid Arteries in Both Sex Based on End Pressure Variation

Evaluation of elastic properties of major arteries is subject of great interest with respect to the development of vascular diseases. In this study changes in diameter and cross-sectional area, stress-strain elastic modulus and stiffness of the common carotid arteries in healthy and atherosclerotic women and men were evaluated by using indirect end pressure changes. Variations in diameter and cross-sectional area of carotid artery in systolic and diastolic phases were measured by B-mode ultrasonography and using edge tracking algorithm. Indirect end pressure measurement was performed immediately after the measurement of the pulsatile vessel diameter. Pressure-strain elastic modulus and stiffness were estimated based on the strain and end pressure changes. The results of the evaluation of mechanical parameters of common carotid artery based on end pressure changes showed significant difference between healthy and atherosclerotic women (P<0.05). Comparison of women and men with the same age range in two groups of normal and atherosclerotic showed that mechanical properties and diameter changes are not sex-dependent and in the process of atherosclerosis disease elastic parameters show increase in both sex. By evaluating end pressure change of common carotid artery, atherosclerosis disease (especially in severe stenosis) in both sex can be detected.