Abstract
Background
We previously described longitudinal strain gradient named bending strain (BS), along the common carotid artery (CCA) with two distinct patterns (Paini, Stroke 2007, Beaussier, Hypertension 2008): Pattern A (larger radial strain at the plaque level than at adjacent CCA) and its opposite, Pattern B.
Aim:
To assess the role of change in CCA thickness (IMT) and medial diameter (D) during the cardiac cycle at the level of plaques according to functional patterns of BS.
Method:
45 CCA were analysed at the level of the plaque in 26 patients. Mechanical parameters were measured at 128 sites on a 4 cm long CCA segment by an echotracking system (ArtLab®). Plaque composition was determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For each plaque, systolo(s)-diastolic(d) variation of IMT and D were calculated. We obtained DIMT ((IMTs - IMTd)/IMTd), DDiameter ((Ds - Dd)/Dd) and ratio R (DIMT/DD). Results: R did not significantly differ according to remodeling pattern neither to plaque composition. Plaques exhibiting Pattern B (n = 25) were characterized by an R 73 % higher than plaques exhibiting Pattern A (n = 20) (5.9 ± 3.0 versus 3.4 ± 1.6, p<0.005). In other words, IMT strain is disproportionately larger than diameter strain among Pattern B than among pattern A.
Conclusion:
The arterial stiffness gradient at the level of the plaque may influence the arterial wall behavior: an inward BS may be associated with exaggerated compressibility and local stresses within the wall in comparison to an outward BS with reduced local stresses.
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This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license. https://doi.org/creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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Beaussier, H., Masson, I., Naggara, O. et al. 5.1 Assessment of the Arterial Wall Behavior along the Common Carotid Artery at the Level of a Plaque According to Arterial Stiffness Gradient. Artery Res 3, 155 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artres.2009.10.159
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artres.2009.10.159