The fate of mild to moderate proximal aortic dilatation after isolated aortic valve replacement in tricuspid aortic valve patients.

Abstract

Proximal aortic dilatation is frequently associated with aortic valve pathology. The treatment of mild to moderate proximal aortic dilatation (maximal diameter: 40-50 mm) at the time of aortic valve replacement (AVR) is still controversial. We retrospectively analyzed the fate and progression of the proximal dilated aorta after isolated AVR in tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients, to determine if ascending aortic replacement (AAR) is recommended at the time of the initial AVR. The review of our hospital database revealed a subgroup of 127 TAV disease patients with mild to moderate ascending aortic dilatation, who underwent isolated AVR (group I, n = 68) or AVR combined AAR (group II, n = 59) from January 2000 to December 2013. Follow-up was obtained through a telephone interview/outpatient interview. Adverse aortic events were defined as aortic dissection/ rupture, or diameter of proximal aorta ≥55 mm, or re-do aortic surgery contributable to the dilated aorta during follow-up. There were no differences in age, gender, heart function, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, chronic renal failure, and atrium fibrillation between two groups except for the maximum aortic diameter (group I 43.91 ± 2.0 vs group II 45.20 ± 2.63, P < .05). The cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly less in group I than that in group II, owing to the replacement of the proximal aorta. A total of 126 patients were discharged home successfully, with 0.79% hospital mortality. There was no significant difference of hospital mortality and morbidity between the two groups. Follow-up was successfully obtained in 106 patients (84.13%). Mean follow-up time was (9.60 ± 3.47) years. The overall survival at 10-year follow-up was 72.46% ± 6.42% in group I versus 74.55% ± 6.87% in group II ( P = .73). The freedom from adverse aortic events at 10-year was 89.59% ± 4.02% in group I versus 96.88% ± 3.07% in group II ( P = .09). No significant difference in survival rate and freedom from adverse aortic events can be obtained between the two groups. Progression of proximal aorta leading to adverse aortic events after isolated AVR in TAV patients is infrequent. AVR alone is acceptable and reasonable in patients with mild to moderate proximal aortic dilatation if connective tissue disorders are not present.