Ultrasound Speckle Tracking is a novel technique for assessing regional mechanics of carotid artery wall. We hypothesized that atherosclerosis development affects regional mechanics of carotid arteries.

Methods: Study population consisted of 27 patients with carotid atherosclerosis (with plaques in carotid bifurcation, degree of stenosis 25–70%, median-40%, measured according to ESCT criteria) and 20 patients without plaques in carotid arteries. Patients from both groups had similar demographics and risk factors. Maximum circumferential and longitudinal strain (Sc, Sl) and strain rate (SRc, SRl) were measured for plaque-free area in common carotid artery (CCA) in each patient.

Results: CCA of patients without plaques underwent significantly higher deformations than CCA of patients with carotid atherosclerosis (Sl=10.8±4.2 vs 7.3±4.1 and Sc=8.0±1.9 vs 4.4±1.5 for both groups respectively, p<0.05). Longitudinal deformation was significantly higher in patients with mild atherosclerosis (stenosis 25–50%) compared with patients with moderate atherosclerosis (50–70%), Sl=8.3±4.2 vs 4.6±2.6 for patients with mild and moderate stenosis respectively, p<0.05, whereas no significant difference was observed in circumferential deformation. Moderate negative correlation was observed between longitudinal strain and degree of stenosis (r=−0.40, p=0.41) and no significant correlations were found between Sc, SRc and plaque parameters (degree of stenosis, plaque height and length).

Conclusions: Atherosclerosis development and plaque buildup in carotid bifurcation affects regional mechanics of plaque free area of CCA. Longitudinal strain might be a more sensible marker for the more advanced phase of the atherosclerotic process. Use of carotid artery strain may help in risk stratification.