Comparison of pulse-wave velocity in different aortic regions in relation to the extent and severity of atherosclerosis between young and older Kurosawa and Kusanagi-Hypercholesterolemic (KHC) rabbits

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of the development of atherosclerosis on foot-to-foot pulse-wave velocity (PWV) from the ascending aorta to different positions along the aorta in Kurosawa and Kusanagi-Hypercholesterolemic (KHC) rabbits aged 10–12 and 22–24 months old, in relation to the percentage fractional lesioned area (PFLA) in different aortic regions through which the pulse wave travels, as well as the rheological and pathohistological properties of the aortic wall. PWV, when measured in the KHC rabbit from the ascending aorta to each aortic position, showed the highest value on passage through the aortic arch, decreased with conduction to the distal thoracic aorta, reached the minimal value on passage to the distal thoracic aorta or to the middle abdominal aorta in the 10–12- and 22–24-month-old animals respectively, and increased gradually on conduction to the iliac artery. PWV at all aortic regions examined was significantly greater in the 22–24-month-old than in the 10–12-month-old KHC rabbits. PFLA, when measured in the aortic region from the ascending aorta to each aortic position, was maximal in the aortic arch and decreased gradually towards the peripheral aorta in both age groups. PFLA in the 22–24-month-old group was significantly greater than that in the 10–12-month-old group in all aortic regions examined. The atherosclerotic aortic wall showed a significantly lower elastic modulus in the young KHC rabbits compared with age-matched normal rabbits. A significantly higher elastic modulus was observed in the older KHC rabbits compared with that in the younger animals of both strains, associated with the progression of sclerosis. These findings indicate that the increase in PWV is due mainly to an increase with aging in the extent and severity of atherosclerosis in vessels in which the pulse wave travels.

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Abnormal Aortic Wall Properties in Women with Turner Syndrome

Aorta ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1714384 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 08 (05) ◽

pp. 121-131

Author(s):

Lidia R. Bons ◽

Allard T. Van Den Hoven ◽

Maira Malik ◽

Annemien E. Van Den Bosch ◽

Jacky S. McGhie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Turner Syndrome ◽

Wave Velocity ◽

Aortic Wall ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Control Group ◽

Aortic Tissue ◽

Aortic Dilatation ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with aortic dilatation and dissection, but the underlying process is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the elastic properties and composition of the aortic wall in women with TS. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 52 women with TS aged 35 ± 13 years (50% monosomy, 12 with bicuspid aortic valve [BAV] and 4 with coarctation) were investigated using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) by echocardiography and ascending aortic distensibility (AAD) and aortic arch pulse wave velocity (AA-PWV) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As control group, 13 women with BAV without TS and 48 healthy patients were included. Results Women with TS showed a higher AA-PWV (β = 1.08, confidence interval [CI]: 0.54–1.62) after correcting for age and comorbidities compared with controls. We found no significant difference in AAD and CF-PWV. In women with TS, the presence of BAV, coarctation of the aorta, or monosomy (45, X) was not associated with aortic stiffness. In addition, aortic tissue samples were investigated with routine and immunohistochemical stains in five additional women with TS who were operated. The tissue showed more compact smooth muscle cell layers with abnormal deposition and structure of elastin and diminished or absent expression of contractile proteins desmin, actin, and caldesmon, as well as the progesterone receptor. Conclusion Both aortic arch stiffness measurements on MRI and histomorphological changes point toward an inherent abnormal thoracic aortic wall in women with TS.

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Evaluation of Distensibility and Stiffness of Ascending Aortic Aneurysm using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.2852 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 55 (204) ◽

pp. 67-71

Author(s):

Kaushal Kishore Tiwari ◽

Stefano Bevilacqua ◽

Giovanni Aquaro ◽

Pierluigi Festa ◽

Lamia Ait-Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Aortic Aneurysm ◽

Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Wave Velocity ◽

Aortic Wall ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Ascending Aorta ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging emerging as a new tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of ascending aortic aneurysm. The aim of our study is to evaluate in vivo distensibility and pulse wave velocity of the aortic wall using functional magnetic resonance imaging technique.Methods: We enrolled 25 patients undergoing surgery for ascending aortic aneurysm and or aortic valve replacement for a period of 8 months. Preoperatively, all the patients underwent functional MRI study of the aorta. Aortic wall distensibility and pulse wave velocity of ascending aorta was evaluated. Results: Mean age of the patient was 66 years (66.68 ± 5.62 years) with 60% (15) male patients. More than fifty percentages of patients were smoker (52%), hypertensive (64%) and diabetic (56%). We have observed significant decrease of distensibilty in the patients with aortic diameter above 50 mm (p-0.0002). Furthermore, we have found a significant inverse correlation between aortic distensibility and pulse wave velocity (R= -0.650, R2= 0.42, p-0.0004). Similarly, we have found a significant inverse correlation between ascending aortic diameter and distensibility of the aorta (R= -0.785, R2= 0.61, p-0.00001). Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between aortic diameter and pulse wave velocity (R= 0.865, R2= 0.74, p-0.00001).Conclusions: MRI measurement of aortic diameters, distensibility, and flow wave velocity is an easy, reliable and reproducible technique. Distensibility and pulse wave velocity define the elasticity of the aorta. We have observed that elasticity of aortic wall is decreased in ascending aorta aneurysm patients. Keywords: ascending aorta aneurysm; distensibility; pulse wave velocity; MRI. | PubMed

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MR pulse wave velocity increases with age faster in the thoracic aorta than in the abdominal aorta

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

10.1002/jmri.24592 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 41 (3) ◽

pp. 765-772 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Daniel G.H. Devos ◽

Ernst Rietzschel ◽

Catherine Heyse ◽

Pieter Vandemaele ◽

Luc Van Bortel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Thoracic Aorta ◽

Wave Velocity ◽

Abdominal Aorta ◽

Pulse Wave

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Relation of sympathetic activation and stress-induced hypertension in atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta: a cadaveric study

International Surgery Journal ◽

10.18203/2349-2902.isj20205343 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 3913

Author(s):

Apostolos S. Gogakos ◽

Triantafyllia D. Koletsa ◽

Leonidas C. Pavlidis ◽

Dimitrios A. Paliouras ◽

Thomas S. Rallis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aortic Arch ◽

Thoracic Aorta ◽

Aortic Wall ◽

Age Groups ◽

Ascending Aorta ◽

Variable Degree ◽

Strong Negative Correlation ◽

Descending Aorta ◽

Induced Hypertension ◽

Neuron Terminals

Background: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has been associated with numerous atherosclerosis-induced cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and aortic disease. Although evidence suggests a relationship between autonomic dysfunction and atherosclerotic disease, the underlying mechanisms are still under investigation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of ANS to the development of atherosclerosis and vice versa, in human thoracic aorta.Methods: An autopsy analysis from three segments of the thoracic aorta was performed; ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, using 52 unselected adult cadavers (38 male, 14 female – mean age 64.4 years; age range 19-90 years). Subjects were divided in two age groups (<65 years – N=26, >65 years – N=26). Tissue specimens were macroscopically examined and histopathologically divided into 7 grades of scoring for atherosclerosis (ATHERO, from 0=intact, to 6=thrombi formation). The relationship between ANS and atherosclerosis was depicted by further immunohistochemical analysis for detection of neuron terminals onto the aortic wall. All data were evaluated according to the subjects’ demographic and clinical characteristics.Results: Total 96.2% of all subjects had atherosclerosis of variable degree in one or more segments. No aneurismal change was found. The presence of atheromas were common in all subjects regardless of age and segment, with atherosclerosis increasing by age; ascending aorta (r=0.571, p<0.001), aortic arch (r=0.655, p<0.001), descending aorta (r=0.659, p<0.001). Hypertension was a significant factor in the development of atherosclerosis in adults >65 years (r=0.450, p=0.023). In addition, a positive history of hypertension was statistically significant regarding both the presence of atherosclerosis and neuron terminals in all three aortic wall segments; ascending aorta (p=0.037), Aaortic arch (p=0.046), descending aorta (p=0.045). Furthermore, there was a strong negative correlation between the ATHERO score and the presence of neuron terminals in all three aortic segments; ascending aorta (r=-0.264, p=0.041), aortic arch (r=-0.400, p=0.003), descending aorta (r=-0.234, p=0.047).Conclusions: Human cadaveric studies are extremely useful in understanding the pathophysiology of ANS, along with clinical and animal studies that are most commonly performed. These data suggest that there is a link between autonomic disfunction and the presence of atherosclerosis in human thoracic aorta, especially when hypertension is present. It is therefore possible that stress-induced hypertension can be considered as a potential risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis.

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P9.9 ALTERED DEPENDENCE OF AORTIC PULSE WAVE VELOCITY ON TRANSMURAL PRESSURE IN HYPERTENSION REVEALING STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE AORTIC WALL

Artery Research ◽

10.1016/j.artres.2014.09.197 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 156

Author(s):

N. Gaddum ◽

L. Keehn ◽

A. Guilcher ◽

A. Gomez ◽

S. Brett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Structural Change ◽

Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Wave Velocity ◽

Aortic Wall ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Transmural Pressure

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Pulse wave velocity and age- and gender-dependent aortic wall hardening in fowl

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A Molecular & Integrative Physiology ◽

10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.06.028 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 154 (4) ◽

pp. 429-436 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ciro A. Ruiz-Feria ◽

Yimu Yang ◽

Donald B. Thomason ◽

Jarred White ◽

Guibin Su ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Wave Velocity ◽

Aortic Wall ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Age And Gender ◽

And Gender

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P1830 Single-beat aortic arch pulse wave velocity by dual-gate simultaneous Doppler technique: a novel method for arterial stiffness evaluation

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jez319.1173 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

F Antonini-Canterin ◽

A Pepe ◽

M Strazzanti ◽

D Rivaben ◽

E Nicolosi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Healthy Volunteers ◽

Aortic Arch ◽

Wave Velocity ◽

Aortic Stiffness ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Surrogate Marker ◽

Mri Studies ◽

Pulsed Wave Doppler ◽

Dual Gate

Abstract Background Guidelines recommend increased aortic stiffness as a negative prognostic factor to be considered in primary and secondary prevention. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a frequently employed surrogate marker of aortic stiffness. Carotid-femoral PWV is the most common index in research and clinical practice, but recently several velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have been used for the evaluation of regional aortic arch PWV, where the stiffness seems to be particularly relevant from a prognostic point of view. Purposes. We developed a new ultrasound method for the assessment of aortic arch PWV, using a single-beat dual-gate simultaneous pulsed wave Doppler tracing. The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of this new technique in a group of healthy volunteers. Methods We examined 126 healthy volunteers (81 females, 45 males, mean age 42 + 15 years, range 13-83 years) using a commercially available machine equipped with simultaneous dual-gate pulsed Doppler. Using the suprasternal approach, the first sample volume was placed in ascending aorta and the second one in descending aorta. The distance between the two sites was directly measured with a curvilinear tracing in the middle of the vessel, following the shape of the aortic arch. PWV was calculated as the ratio of distance (in millimiters) and the transit time (in milliseconds) measured using the "foot-to-foot" method. The results are then easily transformed, simplifying in the commonly unit of meters/second. Results Feasibility was 99%; in one case it was not possible to measure accurately the aortic arch PWV due to unfavorable suprasternal acustic window. The procedure time was very fast, requiring 2 + 1 minutes. Intraobserver and interobserver variability were 7% and 9% respectively. Aortic arch PWV, as expected, showed a strong correlation with age in males as well as in females (r= 0.71 and r = 0.60 respectively, p < 0.001 for both); there was also a significant correlation with body mass index (r = 0.31; p < 0.001). Aortic arch PWV values ranged from 3.1 to 8.5 m/s, showing a substantial overlap with normal values reported in MRI studies. Conclusions The direct measurement of aortic arch PWV is feasible and reproducible with ultrasound, using the novel single-beat dual-gate simultaneous pulsed wave Doppler tracing. This technique could be implemented in a standard echo examination, that is much more available than MRI studies. Further studies are needed to evaluate if Doppler-derived aortic arch PWV could provide additional prognostic information. Abstract P1830 Figure. Aortic Arch PWV

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Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Vitamin K Antagonist Replacement by Rivaroxaban with or without Vitamin K2 in Hemodialysis Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: the Valkyrie Study

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology ◽

10.1681/asn.2019060579 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 186-196 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

An S. De Vriese ◽

Rogier Caluwé ◽

Lotte Pyfferoen ◽

Dirk De Bacquer ◽

Koen De Boeck ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pulse Wave Velocity ◽

Thoracic Aorta ◽

Wave Velocity ◽

Vitamin K ◽

Pulse Wave ◽

Vitamin K2 ◽

Favorable Effect ◽

Bleeding Complications ◽

Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundVitamin K antagonists (VKAs), although commonly used to reduce thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation, have been incriminated as probable cause of accelerated vascular calcification (VC) in patients on hemodialysis. Functional vitamin K deficiency may further contribute to their susceptibility for VC. We investigated the effect of vitamin K status on VC progression in 132 patients on hemodialysis with atrial fibrillation treated with VKAs or qualifying for anticoagulation.MethodsPatients were randomized to VKAs with target INR 2–3, rivaroxaban 10 mg daily, or rivaroxaban 10 mg daily plus vitamin K2 2000 µg thrice weekly during 18 months. Systemic dp-ucMGP levels were quantified to assess vascular vitamin K status. Cardiac and thoracic aorta calcium scores and pulse wave velocity were measured to evaluate VC progression.ResultsBaseline dp-ucMGP was severely elevated in all groups. Initiation or continuation of VKAs further increased dp-ucMGP, whereas levels decreased in the rivaroxaban group and to a larger extent in the rivaroxaban+vitamin K2 group, but remained nevertheless elevated. Changes in coronary artery, thoracic aorta, and cardiac valve calcium scores and pulse wave velocity were not significantly different among the treatment arms. All cause death, stroke, and cardiovascular event rates were similar between the groups. Bleeding outcomes were not significantly different, except for a lower number of life-threatening and major bleeding episodes in the rivaroxaban arms versus the VKA arm.ConclusionsWithdrawal of VKAs and high-dose vitamin K2 improve vitamin K status in patients on hemodialysis, but have no significant favorable effect on VC progression. Severe bleeding complications may be lower with rivaroxaban than with VKAs.

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