RESUMEN
Objective To analyze the motion, elastic and derived parameters of normal common carotid artery (CCA) wall in short-axis orientation with velocity vector imaging (VVI) technique. Methods Two-dimensional dynamic images of CCA in 40 healthy volunteers people were obtained in short-axis view with Siemens Acuson Sequoia 512 color Doppler ultrasound. The motion, elastic and derived parameters were analyzed in right CCA including 6 segments: Anterior wall, posterior wall, anterolateral wall, anterior internal wall, posterolateral wall and posterointernal wall. Relationship between these parameters and the influencing factors were analyzed as well. Results There was no statistical difference of the elastic parameters among 6 walls (P>0.05). Some of the motion parameters of the lateral wall and anterior wall were higher than those of the posterior wall and internal wall (P<0.05). Age and intima-media thickness were negatively correlated with some elastic parameters and some motion parameters (P<0.05). Heart rate were positively correlated with some elastic parameters and some motion parameters (P<0.05). Elastic parameters were positively correlated with motion parameters (P<0.05) and positive correlation was found between time to peak of elastic and motion parameters (P<0.05). Conclusion VVI is an effective technique for observing CCA mechanical characteristics of the movement in normal human, and has potential for studying some of related factors of the characteristics.