Evaluation of common carotid arterial mechanics in pregnancy-induced hypertension by velocity vector imaging

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the longitudinal velocity,strain and strain rate of the common carotid artery(CCA)in pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH)patients using velocity vector imaging (VVI).Methods Twenty-eight patients with PIH and 34 normal pregnant women as the control group were studied.The maximaI velocity(Vs),strain(Smax)and strain rate(SRmax)of the right CCA anterior and posterior wall in systole were measured.Results The systolic longitudinal Vs of both the anterior and posterior wall of the CCA were significantly decreased in PIH group compared with those in the control group[(0.22±0.09)cm/s vs(0.29±0.09)cm/s,P<0.01;(0.24±0.10)cm/s vs(0.34±0.13)cm/s,P<0.01].The systolic longitudinal Smax and SRmax of the CCA anterior and posterior wall were also notably decreased in PIH group compared with those in the control group[Smax:(8.50±4.92)%vs (12.2±6.21)%,P<0.01;(10.11±5.02)%vs(14.21±6.48)%,P<0.05.SRmax:(1.62±1.14)s~(-1)vs(2.24±1.13)s~(-1),P<0.05;(1.91±0.99)s~(-1)vs(2.45±0.97)s~(-1),P<0.05].Conclusions VVI has potential usefulness for assessing vascular mechanics. Key words: Ultrasonography; Carotid artery,common; Hypertension,pregnancy-induced; Velocity vector imaging