Assessment of the elastic properties of the ascending aorta using electrocardiographic synchronized computed tomography angiography with advanced data processing

Aim. To modernize the computed tomography angiography (CTA) protocol with advanced data processing for the diagnosis of ascending aortic (AA) aneurysms, determining the aortic distensibility and compliance.

 Material and methods. We examined 24 patients (14 men) aged 43 to 72 years old with aneurysm or dilatation of ascending aorta (AA). CTA was performed on Siemens Somatom Definition AS and Philips Ingenuity Elite 128-slice scanners with electrocardiographic (ECG) synchronization after a bolus injection of contrast agents (100-120 ml). End-systolic and end-diastolic frames, maximum aortic diameter and cross-sectional area were determined; aortic distensibility and compliance were calculated.

Results. According to AA diameter in end-diastolic frame, patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 — 6 patients, d< 45 mm (39 [39; 40] mm), group 2 — 7 patients, d =45-50 mm (48 [46; 49] mm) and group 3 — 11 patients, d >50 mm (51 [51; 54] mm). A correlation between aortic distensibility and compliance and such parameters as age, systolic blood pressure, systolic and was found. Correlation between the aortic compliance and diastolic diameter can be used for predicting of diameter increase rate.

Conclusion. The designed CTA protocol with advanced data processing allows evaluating the AA distensibility and compliance by the diameter and cross-sectional area in patients with AA dilatation. These criteria provide additional information about the aortic elastic properties and can be used for determining the management strategy.

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