Echocardiographic analysis of abdominal aorta dimensions and their associations with demographic characteristics in a healthy population.

Background and Objective: Aortic diameter is a critical parameter for the diagnosis of aortic aneurysm. In non-aneurysm patients, a large infrarenal aortic diameter are also a risk for all-cause mortality. Additionally, aortic dimension is associated with several risk factors of coronary artery disease; the measure of subclinical disease; a predictor of incident congestive heart failure; stroke risk; and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors and potential alternative pathogenic mechanisms of aortic dilatation. Methods and Results: Five hundred and twenty patients with clinically evident arterial disease or cardiovascular risk factors were prospectively recruited. Comprehensive transthoracic M-mode, 2-dimensional, and Doppler echocardiographic studies were performed using commercially and clinical diagnostic ultrasonography technique. The aortic dimensions were assessed at end-diastole at the different levels: (1) the annulus, (2) the mid-point of the sinuses of Valsalva, (3) the sinotubular junction, (4) the ascending aorta at the level of its largest diameter, (5) the transverse arch, (6) the descending aorta posterior to the left atrium, and (7) the abdominal aorta just distal to the origin of the renal arteries. The relationships of aortic dimensions with clinical characteristics were assessed by linear multiple regression analysis. Variables analyzed included common cardiovascular risk factors, co-morbidities, lipid profile, hematological parameters. Age and diastolic blood pressure were positively associated with the diameters of arch, descending, ascending and abdominal aorta. In contrast, female gender and hypertension were negatively associated with the diameters of arch, descending, ascending and abdominal aorta. The presence of coronary arterial disease were positively associated with arch diameter, whereas High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were positively associated with the diameters of ascending, descending and abdominal aorta. Effects from other factors varied among aortic segments. Conclusion: Aortic segmental diameters are influenced by both common and segment-specific factors.

BackgroundWe designed this study to expand the usage of ultrasound to detect early occurrence of hypovolemia. We explore the potential use of inferior vena cava (IVC) and abdominal aorta (AA) diameter index (IVC:AA) measured ultrasonographically to detect class 1 hypovolemic shock with blood loss less than 15%.ᅟMethodsThe aim of this study was to determine the changes in the diameter of inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta in blood donors by using ultrasound, pre and post blood donation. The result of the study would be further explorated to determine the inferior vena cava (IVC) abdominal aorta (Aorta) diameter index (IVC:Aorta). This was a prospective study done in the blood bank of a university hospital. Researcher was trained by a senior radiologist to assess inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta diameter. Fifty-two healthy blood donors were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were same with the blood bank criteria to donate blood. Demographic data and vital signs were taken before the ultrasound measurement done for inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta diameter. Once the volunteers donated their blood of approximately 450 mls; the measurements were repeated using the same methods.ResultsThere were differences in IVC, abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava:aorta diameters index pre and post donation. With mathematical analysis, we suggested the number of IVC:Aorta index as 1.14±2SD with SD 0.18 as a cut off value for class 1 hypovolemic shock.ConclusionThe IVC:Aorta diameter index can be used as a parameter for detecting early phase (Class 1) of hypovolemic shock.

Two-dimensional echocardiographic aortic root dimensions in normal children and adults

Objective: To evaluate the abdominal aorta diameter in asymptomatic Pakistani population to determine the associations between age, gender and BMI and abdominal aortic diameter measured by ultrasonography. Study Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Radiology, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from Jun to Dec 2021. Methodology: A total of ninety-four healthy asymptomatic subjects of both genders, between 18-80 years of age, were enrolled for the study. Aortic diameters were measured (inner to inner method) using electronic calipers on static images. The Anteroposterior and Transverse (TR) diameters were measured at three levels: the first at the aortic hiatus, which was directly below the abdominal aortic commencement, the second at the suprarenal (mid-point), and the third at the aortic bifurcation (lower level). Results: Males had significantly larger (p-value<0.001) anteroposterior and transverse abdominal aorta diameters than females, with abdominal aorta diameter values found to be significantly higher (p-value 0.001) in age group of greater than 40 years except anteroposterior distal abdominal aorta diameter. Similarly, a significant difference (p-value <0.001) was noted in abdominal aorta diameter among patients with different BMI groups other than distal abdominal aorta diameter. Conclusion: Abdominal aorta diameters vary greatly depending on age, gender and BMI. Clinicians must know the usual diameter of the abdominal aorta in order to recognize an aneurysm at an early stage.

Introduction: Average size of the abdominal aorta is less than 3 cm which variates with time. The increase in abdominal aortic dimensions more than 3 cm can result in the presence of ectasia which can further convert into an aneurysm. The expansion rate can also lead to aortic dissection and rupture. Its increasing dimensions can influence to give rise to numerous other abdominal aortic conditions and be fatal due to the aortic wall stress. Monitoring the variation in the abdominal aorta is now possible with the various advancements in imaging techniques including Computed Tomography (CT). Aim: To measure the Anteroposterior (AP) and Right-Left (RL) diameters of the abdominal aorta on Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen and to analyse its variation with age and gender. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at KS Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. The duration of the study was 11 months, from April 2020 to March 2021. A total of 81 patients referred for CECT abdomen divided into two age groups of 20-40 years and 41- 80 years. The scan was performed using 16-slice Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT). On the reconstructed axial images, the abdominal aortic diameters were measured at the level of T12-L1. The non parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the RL and AP diameters with respect to age groups. Unpaired t-test was used to compare the RL and AP diameters with respect to gender. Paired t-test was used to compare AP diameter on contrast and non contrast scans. Results: The mean age of study participants was 47±14.83 years and were divided into two age groups between 20-40 years and 41-80 years. Out of the 81 cases, 31 (38%) were in the age group of 20-40 and 50 (62%) were in the age group of 41-80 years. There was a significant increase in the AP and RL abdominal aortic diameter with age (p-value <0.001) and also males were found to have significantly higher abdominal aorta diameter than females (p-value <0.001) in both the age groups of 20-40 and 41-80 years. Also, the abdominal aorta diameter measurements on Non Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) and CECT abdomen showed no notable difference. Conclusion: The present study concluded that, there was a remarkable variation in the diameter of the abdominal aorta with age and gender. Besides, the abdominal aorta diameter measurements on NCCT and CECT abdomen showed no notable difference.

Echocardiographic assessment of aortic root dimensions in normal children based on measurement of a new ratio of aortic size independent of growth

Differences in Echocardiographic Measures of Aortic Dimensions by Race

A wide range has been reported for the ultrasonographic measurements of the normal adrenal gland in rabbits. Therefore, having sufficient information about the normal measurements of the adrenal gland and their relationship with indicators such as weight, sex and the diameter of the internal abdominal aorta will be of great help in diagnosing diseases of the adrenal gland. In the present study, 21 healthy adult intact rabbits were selected. The abdominal cavity of the animals was examined using ultrasound; adrenal gland parameters such as length, width, height, circumference and area on the right and left sides were measured in both sagittal and transverse planes. Additionally, the diameter of the abdominal aorta in the sagittal plane was imaged. After statistical analysis, the parameters of the adrenal glands on the right and left showed a positive significant correlation with the weight and the diameter of the abdominal aorta, although no significant correlation was found between these parameters and sex. The ratio of adrenal gland parameters to abdominal aortic diameter was calculated and the statistical analysis of the values showed that, except for the ratio of left adrenal area to aortic diameter, the other ratio of adrenal gland parameters to abdominal aortic diameter was not significantly related to weight. Therefore, these ratios can be used as suitable indicators for assessing the change in size of the adrenal gland of rabbits of different sizes. Knowing the relationship between normal adrenal measurements and the indices such as weight, sex and diameter of the abdominal aorta can help clinicians and researchers evaluate the changes in the size of the adrenal gland.

Information on the relationship between the diameters of the abdominal aorta (AA) and the basilar artery (BA) is limited. Using the Atahualpa Project cohort, we aimed to assess this association in Atahualpa residents aged ≥ 60years. Atahualpa residents aged ≥ 60years underwent abdominal ultrasound and MRA of intracranial vessels. The independent association between both arterial diameters was estimated in a generalized linear model adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, the presence of a fetal-type Circle of Willis, and severity of white matter hyperintensities. Fractional polynomials were fitted to model the relationship between AA and BA diameters. The mean age of 277 participants was 69.5 ± 7.7years (61% women). The mean AA diameter was 19.8 ± 3.3mm, and the mean BA diameter was 3.1 ± 0.7mm. The mean diameters of both arteries were significantly higher in men than in women. Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing showed a non-linear relationship between both arterial diameters. Fractional polynomial models showed that AA and BA diameters had a significant non-linear association in men (p = 0.005), but not in women (p = 0.315). When sex was excluded from a generalized linear model, the relationship between both arterial diameters became significant (p = 0.017). In this population of community-dwelling older adults, the relationship between AA and BA diameters was confined to men. The finding of a large AA diameter in men should prompt the investigation of the intracranial vasculature because of the possibility of BA ectasia.

Background:Accurate diagnosis and management of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) require knowledge of the normal range of abdominal aortic diameter. Previous studies have shown geographical variations in aortic diameters, with smaller measurements in Asian populations and larger measurements in Oceania. However, specific reference values for the Nepalese population are lacking. Establishing these reference ranges is crucial for diagnosing aortic diseases and selecting appropriate graft sizes in vascular procedures.Methods:This retrospective study includes patients over 18 years of age who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis between September 2023 and December 2023. A total of 225 patients (124 males, 101 females; mean age: 50.95 ± 17.62 years) were included. A radiotechnician reviewed the examinations under the guidance of two radiologists and one senior radiotechnician. The diameter of abdominal aorta (AA) at the 12th thoracic (T12) vertebral level and the 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebrae was measured for each examination, which was analyzed and correlated with different study variables such as age, gender, alcohol consumption, and diabetic status.Result:The study included 225 patients (124 males, 101 females; mean age, 50.95 ± 17.62 years (range 18–88 years). The mean diameter of the suprarenal AA measured at the T12 vertebral level was 2.06 cm (±0.28) in men and 1.93 cm (±0.26) in women. The mean diameter of the infrarenal aorta measured at the L3 vertebral level was 1.54 cm (±0.21) in men and 1.41 cm (±0.20) in women. The age and gender of participants were found to have a statistically significant association with the diameter of the suprarenal AA. Additionally, age, gender, alcohol consumption, and diabetic status of participants were found to be statistically significantly associated with diameter of the infrarenal AA.Conclusion:We established reference values for AA diameters in the Nepalese population. The mean aortic diameter of the Nepalese population seems to be smaller than the Western population but comparable to the South Asian population.

BackgroundPatients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) have an increased risk of developing aortic aneurysms. Retrospective studies have shown that 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in large vessels at diagnosis increases the risk...

The study group included 44 patients and 42 controls. Patients were divided into groups according to the type of valve opening as horizontal - fusion between right and left coronary cusps - and vertical - fusion between right-non-coronary cusps; according to age they were divided into younger (5-10 years) and older patients (11-16 years). Our study did not include valve phenotype with fusion between left and non-coronary cusps. Systolic-diastolic diameters of aortic annulus, sinus valsalva, sinutubular junction, arcus, and ascending-descending and abdominal aorta were measured and z-scores were obtained. Aortic strain, distensibility, and stiffness index were calculated. Flow-mediated dilatation of brachial artery was studied. z-Scores at annulus, sinus valsalva, sinutubular junction, and ascending aorta were higher in study patients (p=0.001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, respectively). z-Scores of sinus valsalva and sinotubular junction were higher in the horizontal group than in the vertical group (p=0.006, p=0.023, respectively). z-Score was over +2 in 51% of patients with horizontal morphology and 33% of patients with vertical morphology (p=0.0001). Ascending aorta was more distensible and less stiff in the study group (11.3±5.63 versus 7.91±4.5, p=0.002; 4.76±3.60 versus 6.19±3.44 cm2.dyn-1.10-6, p=0.033, respectively). Stiffness index of ascending, arcus, and abdominal aorta were higher in the horizontal group (p=0.004, p=0.038, p=0.006, respectively). Ascending aorta was more distensible and less stiff in the younger group (p=0.007, p=0.027, respectively) but did not differ in the older group compared with the control group. Aortic dimensions are enlarged in patients with bicuspid aortic valve starting from childhood, suggesting the presence of generalised aortopathy. Aortic elasticity is increased at young age and decreased with age.

Normal Values of Aortic Root Size According to Age, Sex, and Race: Results of the World Alliance of Societies of Echocardiography Study

Objectives To assess dimensions of the ascending aorta in a large group of healthy volunteers and analyze its influential factors using two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Methods 2 039 healthy volunteers were recruited from May 2013 to November 2013 in Beijing Hospital Physical Examination Center. Aortic dimensions were obtained following predefined protocols in parasternal long-axis view using the inner-edge-to-inner-edge measurement. Diameters were measured at 1.0 cm above the sinuses of Valsalva, or the maximum diameter of the proximal tubular ascending aorta. Results A total of 2 039 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study, including 1 267 men (62.1%) and 772 women (37.9%). Mean age was (46.9±12.3) years with a range of 18-89 years. The mean dimension of the ascending aorta was (29.4±3.7) mm. Gender (P 0.05). Gender and age were independent influence factors after adjusting BMI, systolic blood pressure and diastolic pressure. Men showed significantly larger aortic dimensions when compared with women [(30.4±3.5) mm vs. (27.7±3.5) mm, P 0.05). In male, compared with 60-69 year-old group, aortic diameters were larger in over 70 year-old group but had no statistical significance. Aortic diameters were significantly different in other age groups. Conclusions Transthoracic echocardiography is commonly used in the measurement of ascending aorta diameters. Gender and age have a significant effect on the ascending aorta diameter. Normal reference values should be established according to gender and age. Key words: Transthoracic echocardiography; Ascending aorta; Healthy population

Objective To investigate the display ability and diagnostic value of CT enhancement and MR enhanced scan in abdominal aorta and branch vessels. Methods Forty-seven patients with abdominal examination underwent routine CT enhancement scan after admission and MR Enhanced scan was completed within 1 week. CT and MR images of the patients were analyzed by two imaging doctors with more than 3 years working experience in hospital. The diameter of abdominal aorta and, bilateral renal artery, superior mesenteric artery and abdominal cavity were measured.The measured values of the two imaging methods were compared, and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the numerical results of CT enhancement and MR enhanced scanning. Results ①The two imaging methods: there was no significant difference in the diameter of the abdominal aorta, the right renal artery, the left renal artery, the superior mesenteric artery or the celiac trunk measured by CT enhancement and MR enhanced scan imaging (P>0.05). ②Two imaging methods measuring numerical correlation: enhanced CT and enhanced MR scan before and after imaging measurement of abdominal aortic diameter, right renal artery, superior mesenteric artery and celiac was strongly related. The left renal artery had a moderate degree of correlation (P<0.05). Conclusions CT enhanced and MR enhanced scan can get accurate vascular measurement data in the diagnosis of abdominal aorta and its branch vessels, and MR enhanced scan is safe for the human body without ionizing radiation. Key words: Abdominal aorta; Branch vessel; CT enhanced scan; MR enhanced scan; Diagnostic value