Evaluation of spatial distribution and characterization of wall shear stress in carotid sinus based on two-dimensional color Doppler imaging

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to use a wall shear stress (WSS) quantitative analysis software to analyze and evaluate the carotid sinus WSS spatial distribution and characteristics in intima-media thickness (IMT) normal and thickening group by using two-dimensional color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) so as to assist clinicians to predict the location and risk of plaque formation. METHODS: According to IMT, 50 subjects was selected as IMT thickening group and 50 subjects as IMT normal group from subjects who had a carotid ultrasound examination in Shanghai East hospital during October 2016 to October 2017. This study presents the spatial distribution of the carotid sinus WSS based on the WSS quantitative analysis software and compared the spatial distribution and characteristics of the carotid sinus WSS between IMT thickening group and IMT normal group through two- and three-dimensional WSS maps and a fused WSS image. RESULTS: The distributional regularity of WSS in both two group was: carotid sinus < common carotid artery (CCA) < internal carotid artery (ICA) and posterior-interior wall of the carotid sinus < the anterior-lateral wall of the carotid sinus. Furthermore, the WSS of CCA, ICA, the anterior-lateral proximal wall of the carotid sinus, the anterior-lateral distal wall of the carotid sinus, the posterior-interior proximal wall of the carotid sinus, and the posterior-interior distal wall of the carotid sinus in IMT thickening group was lower than the corresponding part of IMT normal group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In summary, this WSS quantitative analysis framework by two-dimensional CDFI can measure and reflect the carotid sinus WSS spatial distribution and characteristics more accurately and visually. As a convenient tool, it may be used for clinical prediction of the plaque formation in carotid sinus in the future.