Dilatation of the entire thoracic aorta in patients with bicuspid aortic valve: a magnetic resonance angiography study

VASA ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Westhoff-Bleck ◽  
Meyer ◽  
Lotz ◽  
Tutarel ◽  
Weiss ◽  
...  

Background: The presence of a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) might be associated with a progressive dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta. However, involvement of the aortic arch and descending aorta has not yet been elucidated. Patients and methods: Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was used to assess the diameter of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta in 28 patients with bicuspid aortic valves (mean age 30 ± 9 years). Results: Patients with BAV, but without significant aortic stenosis or regurgitation (n = 10, mean age 27 ± 8 years, n.s. versus control) were compared with controls (n = 13, mean age 33 ± 10 years). In the BAV-patients, aortic root diameter was 35.1 ± 4.9 mm versus 28.9 ± 4.8 mm in the control group (p < 0.01). The diameter of the ascending aorta was also significantly increased at the level of the pulmonary artery (35.5 ± 5.6 mm versus 27.0 ± 4.8 mm, p < 0.001). BAV-patients with moderate or severe aortic regurgitation (n = 18, mean age 32 ± 9 years, n.s. versus control) had a significant dilatation of the aortic root, ascending aorta at the level of the pulmonary artery (41.7 ± 4.8 mm versus 27.0 ± 4.8 mm in control patients, p < 0.001) and, furthermore, significantly increased diameters of the aortic arch (27.1 ± 5.6 mm versus 21.5 ± 1.8 mm, p < 0.01) and descending aorta (21.8 ± 5.6 mm versus 17.0 ± 5.6 mm, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The whole thoracic aorta is abnormally dilated in patients with BAV, particularly in patients with moderate/severe aortic regurgitation. The maximum dilatation occurs in the ascending aorta at the level of the pulmonary artery. Thus, we suggest evaluation of the entire thoracic aorta in patients with BAV.

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Correa Londono ◽  
Nino Trussardi ◽  
Verena C. Obmann ◽  
Davide Piccini ◽  
Michael Ith ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The native balanced steady state with free precession (bSSFP) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique has been shown to provide high diagnostic image quality for thoracic aortic disease. This study compares a 3D radial respiratory self-navigated native MRA (native-SN-MRA) based on a bSSFP sequence with conventional Cartesian, 3D, contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) with navigator-gated respiration control for image quality of the entire thoracic aorta. Methods Thirty-one aortic native-SN-MRA were compared retrospectively (63.9 ± 10.3 years) to 61 CE-MRA (63.1 ± 11.7 years) serving as a reference standard. Image quality was evaluated at the aortic root/ascending aorta, aortic arch and descending aorta. Scan time was recorded. In 10 patients with both MRA sequences, aortic pathologies were evaluated and normal and pathologic aortic diameters were measured. The influence of artifacts on image quality was analyzed. Results Compared to the overall image quality of CE-MRA, the overall image quality of native-SN-MRA was superior for all segments analyzed (aortic root/ascending, p < 0.001; arch, p < 0.001, and descending, p = 0.005). Regarding artifacts, the image quality of native-SN-MRA remained superior at the aortic root/ascending aorta and aortic arch before and after correction for confounders of surgical material (i.e., susceptibility-related artifacts) (p = 0.008 both) suggesting a benefit in terms of motion artifacts. Native-SN-MRA showed a trend towards superior intraindividual image quality, but without statistical significance. Intraindividually, the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of aortic disease were 100% for native-SN-MRA. Aortic diameters did not show a significant difference (p = 0.899). The scan time of the native-SN-MRA was significantly reduced, with a mean of 05:56 ± 01:32 min vs. 08:51 ± 02:57 min in the CE-MRA (p < 0.001). Conclusions Superior image quality of the entire thoracic aorta, also regarding artifacts, can be achieved with native-SN-MRA, especially in motion prone segments, in addition to a shorter acquisition time.


VASA ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tutarel ◽  
Meyer ◽  
Lotz ◽  
Westhoff-Bleck

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with an arteriopathy leading to a progressive dilatation of the aortic root. Recent studies have shown that the whole thoracic aorta is affected by this arteriopathy. Longitudinal data regarding the progression of this arteriopathy in the whole thoracic aorta has not been reported before. Patients and methods: In this retrospective study 40 patients (mean age 28.5 ± 9.1 years) had 2 MR-angiographies (mean interval 37.1 ± 15.2 months). In 23 patients the aortic valve was regurgitant, in 1 stenotic, in 4 combined aortic stenosis / regurgitation was found, while in 12 the valve function was normal. Aortic diameters were measured at 6 different, standardized anatomical points. The influence of demographic and clinical parameters was assessed. Results: A significant increase of the diameter was observed at the aortic root (35.4 ± 5.6 mm → 39.1 ± 6.5 mm, p < 0.001), the ascending aorta (37.3 ± 8.0 mm → 39.5 ± 8.5 mm, p = 0.001), proximal to the innominate artery (29.4 ± 6.1 mm → 31.6 ± 6.8 mm, p = 0.008), and the descending aorta (20.2 ± 2.4 mm → 21.6 ± 4.2 mm, p = 0.03). There was no significant increase proximal (24.0 ± 5.7 mm → 24.6 ± 5.3 mm, p = 0.44) and distal to the left subclavian artery (21.4 ± 4.6 mm → 21.9 ± 4.5 mm, p = 0.19). These observations were independent of the presence of arterial hypertension, a previous operation, gender, and functional status of the aortic valve. Conclusions: The progressive dilatation of the aortic root and ascending aorta that can be observed in patients with BAV was not found in the more distal parts of the thoracic aorta with the exception of the descending aorta in this study. If the dilatation of the descending aorta bears any clinical significance can't be answered with the current data. A prospective study should be performed to confirm these results.


2002 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 922-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
René Chapot ◽  
Armand Aymard ◽  
Jean-Pierre Saint-Maurice ◽  
Alain Bel ◽  
Jean-Jacques Merland ◽  
...  

Purpose: To report the endovascular occlusion of an anastomotic false aneurysm of the ascending aorta. Case Report: A 51-year-old patient developed an anastomotic false aneurysm at the level of the aortic arch after surgical replacement of the aortic root and arch for aortic dissection. The aneurysm expanded after 6 months and because of its saccular shape was treated by selective occlusion with detachable microcoils. Magnetic resonance angiography showed the stability of the occlusion after 2 years. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment with coils may be a good alternative to surgery for saccular anastomotic false aneurysms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_N) ◽  
pp. N142-N145
Author(s):  
Alice Benedetti ◽  
Alvise Del Monte ◽  
Maurizio Rubino ◽  
Daniela Mancuso

Abstract A 36-year-old woman at 31 weeks’ gestation presented with exertional dyspnoea and palpitations. She had a history of bicuspid aortic valve treated with surgical aortic valvotomy for severe stenosis, followed by ascending aorta replacement for type A acute aortic dissection and Bentall operation with a mechanical valve for severe aortic regurgitation. Eight years after the last surgery, magnetic resonance angiography showed aortic arch aneurysm (49 mm) with a small intimal flap. Thereafter, the patient was lost to follow-up until the current admission. She was hemodynamically stable on presentation and physical examination was unremarkable apart from a mechanical second heart sound. The electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm with left bundle branch block (Panel A). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular dilation (EDV 90 ml/m2) with mild dysfunction (EF 50%), normal prosthetic aortic valve function, and aortic arch dilation (50 mm) (Panel B and C). After a multidisciplinary evaluation, elective cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks’ gestation. A post-delivery aortic computed tomography angiography revealed aortic arch aneurysm (52 mm) with intimal flap and two pseudoaneurysms of the anterior aortic wall causing sternal erosion (Panel D, E, F and G). Subsequently, the patient underwent ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement by Frozen Elephant Trunk technique with a 24 x130 mm prosthesis between the aortic root and the descending aorta. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged to a cardiac rehabilitation centre.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Mueller ◽  
K Gummel ◽  
B Reich ◽  
H Latus ◽  
C Jux ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Long-term complications after cardiac transplantation are common and typically include arterial hypertension and coronary allograft vasculopathy. Few studies also suggested that heart transplant recipients have an increased arterial stiffness. Purpose This prospective study aimed to assess the bioelastic properties of the aorta as well as LV function, morphology and structure in children and young adults after cardiac transplantation. Methods CMR studies from 34 patients (median age: 17.1 years, range: 8–24 years) who underwent cardiac transplantation in childhood were analysed. Aortic anatomy and distensibility were assessed at five locations of the thoracic aorta using steady-state free precession cine sequences. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the aortic arch and the descending thoracic aorta was measured from 2-dimensional phase contrast images. Size and function of the left atrium and the ventricles were assessed from a stack of short axis slices. Myocardial T1 times were determined using a standard MOLLI sequence. Results Cross-sectional areas of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch tended to be lower in patients compared to controls (ascending aorta 464.5±172.5 mm2 vs. 515.3±186.3 mm2, aortic arch 342.4±113.3 mm2 vs. 376.9±148.5 mm2) whereas cross-sectional areas of the descending aorta tended to be higher (aortic isthmus 283.7±102.1 mm2 vs. 257.9±89.5 mm2, aorta descendens diaphragmal 218.4±75.8 mm2 vs. 214.2±75.0 mm2) and showed a correlation with systolic blood pressure (r=0.33). PWV was higher in the aortic arch (4.8±2.4 m/s vs. 3.6±0.7 m/s). Aortic distensibility was slightly higher at all measuring points in the study population compared to the control group and showed an increase with rising distance from the heart (ascending aorta 10.5±5.8 10–3 mm Hg-1, aortic isthmus 13.1±7.5 10–3 mm Hg-1, descending aorta 16.6±6.8 10–3 mm Hg-1). Biventricular volumes were slightly reduced in the patient group compared to the control group but this was not statistically significant. Only left ventricular mass messured during the systolic phase was higher in the study population compared to the control group (males 55.1 g/m2 vs. 53.0 g/m2, females 46.2 g/m2 vs. 45.2 g/m2). T1 mapping demonstrated increased T1 times in the heart-transplanted group compared to published data in healthy adults. In particular, T1 times of the lateral and inferior myocardial segments were higher. Conclusion Patients who underwent cardiac transplantation in childhood seem to have a reduced bioelasticity of the thoracic aorta. Increased myocardial T1 times suggesting alterations in myocardial structure. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-158
Author(s):  
B. K. Kadyraliev ◽  
V. B. Arutyunyan ◽  
S. V. Kucherenko ◽  
V. N. Pavlova ◽  
E. S. Spekhova ◽  
...  

The ascending aortic aneurysm occurs in 45 % of cases from the total number of aortic aneurysms of various localization. The incidence rate of combination of the aortic disease with aneurysm per 100 000 of the population is 5.9. The problem of prosthetics of the aortic root and aortic valve due to aneurysm and the changed AV is rather actual. The main principle of aneurysm surgery is the prevention of the risk of dissection and rupture with reconstruction of normal dimensions of the ascending aorta. Currently, there are different techniques for the treatment of root aneurysms and ascending aorta. The standard techniques are aortic root replacement, aortic valve reconstruction with replacement of aortic root or ascending aorta and partial or full replacement of aortic arch depending on the situation. The Bentall De Bono operation at present remains a golden standard of surgical treatment of the aneurysms of the root and ascending aorta with changed aortic valve. This surgery can have the following complications: thrombotic, thromboembolic followed by conduit dysfunction, formation of false anastomosis aneurysms, hemorrhage, compression of coronary artery orifices due to tension in the zone of coronary anastomoses.


Author(s):  
Aurelio Secinaro ◽  
Elena Giulia Milano ◽  
Paolo Ciancarella ◽  
Matteo Trezzi ◽  
Claudio Capelli ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The aortic valve (AV) neocuspidization (Ozaki procedure) is a novel surgical technique for AV disease that preserves the natural motion and cardiodynamics of the aortic root. In this study, we sought to evaluate, by 4D-flow magnetic resonance imaging, the aortic blood flow characteristics after AV neocuspidization in paediatric patients. Methods and results Aortic root and ascending aorta haemodynamics were evaluated in a population of patients treated with the Ozaki procedure; results were compared with those of a group of patients operated with the Ross technique. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance studies were performed at 1.5 T using a 4D flow-sensitive sequence acquired with retrospective electrocardiogram-gating and respiratory navigator. Post-processing of 4D-flow analysis was performed to calculate flow eccentricity and wall shear stress. Twenty children were included in this study, 10 after Ozaki and 10 after Ross procedure. Median age at surgery was 10.7 years (range 3.9–16.5 years). No significant differences were observed in wall shear stress values measured at the level of the proximal ascending aorta between the two groups. The analysis of flow patterns showed no clear association between eccentric flow and the procedure performed. The Ozaki group showed just a slightly increased transvalvular maximum velocity. Conclusion Proximal aorta flow dynamics of children treated with the Ozaki and the Ross procedure are comparable. Similarly to the Ross, Ozaki technique restores a physiological laminar flow pattern in the short-term follow-up, with the advantage of not inducing a bivalvular disease, although further studies are warranted to evaluate its long-term results.


Author(s):  
Patrizio Lancellotti ◽  
Bernard Cosyns

This chapter considers evaluation of the aorta as a routine part of the standard echocardiographic examination. It looks as TTE as an excellent modality for imaging the aortic root, and in the serial measurement of maximum aortic root diameters, aortic regurgitation evaluation, and timing of elective surgery for several entities. In some patients, the right parasternal long-axis view can provide supplementary information of the ascending aorta. Of major importance for evaluation of the thoracic aorta is the suprasternal view. Although the entire thoracic descending aorta is not well imaged by TTE, the abdominal descending aorta is relatively easily visualized. TEE is safe and can be performed at the bedside. It provides a good visualization of the entire thoracic aorta, with the exception of the distal part of the ascending aorta.


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