Aortic Growth Rate Research Articles

P1600 Aortic dilatation in patients with chronic descending aorta dissection is related to maximum false-lumen systolic flow deceleration rate as evaluated by 4D-flow MRI

Abstract Background Due to improved surgical strategies a growing number of patients survive acute aortic dissection. Patent false lumen (FL) is common in chronic dissection and it has been associated with poor prognosis, which is mainly driven by FL expansion. Several variables indirectly related to flow characteristics have been associated with progressive aortic dilation. We aimed to evaluate whether the maximum systolic flow deceleration rate (MSDR) in the FL, quantified by 4D-flow MR, is related to FL dilation in chronic type B aortic dissection. Methods Twenty-nine patients with a patent FL after aortic dissection and a prior follow-up of at least 3 years underwent contrast-enhanced 4D-flow MR. Marfan patients were excluded. Time-resolved FL flow acceleration was calculated in a 5 cm-long volume of the descending aorta around the level of the pulmonary bifurcation. MSDR was determined as the maximum minus the minimum acceleration in systole over the corresponding time interval (Figure 1a). Aortic growth rate (GR) was measured as the difference between final and initial maximum FL diameters obtained by angio-CT divided by follow-up duration. Population was divided into tertiles based on GR. Results Demographic and clinical variables were similar among GR tertiles (Table). MSDR was lower in patients with a GR <1mm/year (group 1) compared to both the other two patient groups (p = 0.009 and 0.003 for groups 2 and 3, respectively) (Figure 1c). MSDR showed a marked positive linear correlation with GR (R = 0.481, p = 0.008) (Figure 1b). Conclusions The MSDR in the FL of chronic type B aortic dissection is linearly related to FL growth rate and discriminated between tertiles of aortic dilation. Prospective longitudinal studies are need to unveil possible prognostic value of this parameter. Table Group 1 (n = 9) Group 2 (n = 10) Group 3 (n = 10) p-value Age (years) 63.44 ±13.54 62.50 ± 13.60 64.56 ± 6.67 0.902 BSA (m2) 2.00 ± 0.18 1.77 ± 0.20 1.94 ± 0.12 0.213 Men 6 (86%) 4 (57%) 4 (100%) 0.210 Hypertension 4 (66%) 5 (71%) 4 (100%) 0.438 Atheroclerosis 1 (17%) 1 (14%) 0 (0%) 0.699 Initial Diameter (mm) 45.00 ± 7.69 36.00 ± 4.20 37.00 ± 6.48 0.078 Final Diameter (mm) 49.50 ± 6.74 44.86 ± 5.70 59.25 ± 9.84 0.049 Follow-up (year) 11.83 ± 8.79 7.82 ± 3.34 8.08 ± 4.05 0.921 GR (mm/year) 0.27 ± 0.29 1.18 ± 0.26 2.64 ± 0.97 <0.001 MSDR (cm/s3) 1212.18 ± 467.61 2410.54 ± 1034.30 2558.16 ± 1098.06 0.005 Abstract P1600 Figure 1

False lumen ejection fraction predicts growth in type B aortic dissection: preliminary results.

Current risk assessment strategies in type B aortic dissection are focused on anatomic parameters, although haemodynamic abnormalities that result in false lumen (FL) pressurization are thought to play a significant role in aortic growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate blood flow of the FL using 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and identify haemodynamic and anatomic factors that independently predict the rate of aortic growth. Patients with dissection of the descending thoraco-abdominal aorta (n = 18) were enrolled in a prospective observational study and underwent 4D flow MRI for haemodynamic assessment of the entry tear and FL. Anatomic parameters were obtained by magnetic resonance angiography and baseline computed tomography. False lumen ejection fraction (FL EF) was defined the ratio of retrograde flow rate at the dominant entry tear during diastole over the antegrade systolic flow rate. The median aortic growth rate was 3.5 mm/year (interquartile range 0.5-8.1 mm/year). Entry tear peak velocity was lower in patients with enlarging aortic dimensions (95.5 ± 24.1 vs 128.1 ± 37.4 cm/s, P = 0.039). After adjusting for co-variates FL EF (β = 0.15, P = 0.004), baseline maximal aortic diameter (β = 0.37, P = 0.001) and the entry tear distance from the left subclavian artery (β = 0.07, P = 0.016) were significant predictors of aortic growth rate. Beyond standard anatomic risk factors, FL EF is an independent predictor of aortic growth rate and may represent an intuitive, non-invasive method to estimate FL pressurization and improve patient-specific risk assessment in patients with type B aortic dissection.

Surgical Management and Outcomes of the Aortic Root in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

This study evaluated the short- and middle-term outcomes of different aortic root managements in the setting of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD): aortic root repair (ARR group), untouched aortic root (UAR group), and Bentall procedure (Bentall group). The study enrolled 673 patients (512 men; age 48.8 ± 11.2 years) between 2010 and 2015. Survival, aortic growth, reintervention, and valve function were compared between the 3 groups. The ages were 50.6 ± 9.9, 49.8 ± 12.2, and 44.0 ± 12.0 years for ARR, UAR, and Bentall groups, respectively (P < .01). The mean follow-up time was 3.0 years (range, 0.5-6.8 years). The aortic root diameters in the groups were 39.0 ± 5.1 mm in ARR, 38.2 ± 4.4 mm in UAR, and 50.3 ± 6.2 mm in Bentall (P < .01). The overall 30-day mortality was 11.7% (79 of 673). There was no difference in 30-day mortality between the 3 groups (P= .58). The estimated aortic root growth rate was 0.60 ± 0.17 mm/y for ARR and 0.50 ± 0.14 mm/y for UAR. During follow-up, 28 patients (4.1%) died. Differences in 5-year survival between the 3 groups did not reach statistical significance (P= .82). Aortic insufficiency greater than grade 2+ developed in 15 patients (2.2%). There was no significant difference between ARR and UAR in freedom from aortic insufficiency greater than grade 2+ (P= .56). None of the patients experienced new dissection or underwent proximal reoperation during the follow-up period. Conservative techniques (ARR and UAR) and aggressive root replacement can both be performed with excellent short- and middle-term outcomes in ATAAD. Thus, an individualized approach in managing the aortic root for ATAAD is recommended based on the patient's general condition, root pathology, and the surgeon's preference.

Determinants of aortic growth rate in patients with bicuspid aortic valve by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify determinants of aortic growth rate in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients. We hypothesised that (1) BAV patients with repaired coarctation (CoA) exhibit decreased aortic growth...

P1827Maximum systolic flow deceleration rate in the false lumen by 4D-flow MRI is associated with aortic dilatation in patients with chronic descending aorta dissection

Abstract Introduction Patent false lumen (FL) in aortic dissection has been associated with poor prognosis mainly due to aortic expansion. Although morphologic variables have been related to aortic dilatation as expression of high pressure in the FL, they do not reflect flow characteristics. We propose the maximum systolic flow deceleration rate (MSDR) in the FL, quantified by 4Dflow, assuming that flow should be strongly decelerated during systole under high pressure. Methods Twenty-nine patients with a patent FL after aortic dissection (no Marfan syndrome) and with a follow-up of at least 3 years underwent a contrast-enhanced 4D-flow MR. FL acceleration was calculated during the cardiac cycle in a sub-volume of the descending aorta (5 cm around the level of the pulmonary bifurcation). MSDR was determined as the maximum minus the minimum acceleration in systole over the corresponding time interval (Figure 1a). Aortic growth rate (GR) was defined as the difference between final and initial aortic diameters obtained by angio-CT over the period of follow-up. Population was divided into tertiles based on GR. Results Demographic, clinical variables or basal aortic diameter did not show differences among GR groups (Table 1). MSDR was statistically different in patients with a GR &lt;1mm/year (group 1) compared to fast-dilating patients (groups 2, 3) (Figure 1c). MSDR showed a positive linear correlation with GR resulting in a Pearson's correlation of 0.481 (p=0.008) (Figure 1b). Table 1. Demographic and other variables Tertile 1 Tertile 2 Tertile 3 p-value Age (year) 63.4 (±13.5) 62.5 (±13.6) 64.6 (±6.7) 0.902 BSA (m2) 2.0 (±0.2) 1.8 (±0.2) 1.9 (±0.1) 0.213 Men 6 (86%) 4 (57%) 4 (100%) 0.210 Hypertension 4 (66%) 5 (71%) 4 (100%) 0.438 Atherosclerosis 1 (17%) 1 (14%) 0 (0%) 0.699 Initial diameter 45.0 (±7.69) 36.0 (±4.2) 37.0 (±6.5) 0.078 Final diameter 49.5 (±6.74) 44.9 (±5.7) 59.2 (±9.8) 0.049* Follow-up (year) 11.8 (±8.79) 7.9 (±3.3) 8.1 (±4.0) 0.921 Aortic GR (mm/year) 0.3 (±0.3) 1.2 (±0.3) 2.6 (±1.0) 0.001* MSDR (cm/s3) 1212 (±468) 2411 (±1034) 2558 (±1098) 0.005* Values are mean (±SD) or n (%). Conclusion MSDR of flow in the FL derived from 4D-flow RM is related to GR of dissected descending aorta. It is useful to discriminate mild vs. significant aorta enlargement and identify patients who may benefit from earlier therapy.

Diabetes and Its Effect on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth Rate in Hispanic Patients

The growth rate of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) can vary depending on age, baseline diameter, blood pressure, race, and history of smoking. Paradoxically, previous studies show evidence of a protective effect of diabetes on the rate of AAA expansion despite its well-established role in the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to investigate the impact diabetes plays on AAA growth within a Hispanic population. Data were collected from patients who were predominantly Mexican-American at a single hospital site. Baseline and follow-up measures for AAA diameter were obtained from serial imaging studies. Demographics, medical history, the presence of type 2 diabetes, and medication use were extracted from hospital records. Linear mixed-effects growth models were used to calculate the overall AAA growth rate and to assess the difference in AAA growth rate between demographics, comorbidities, and medication use. The study comprised 201 patients (70.4% male) with a mean baseline age of 79.1years, of whom 43.2% were diabetic. The average monthly AAA growth rate across all study participants was 0.15mm (SE=0.02mm). Independently, the average AAA expansion rate for the diabetic and nondiabetic groups was 0.07mm (SE=0.04mm) and 0.21mm (SE=0.03mm) per month, respectively. This demonstrates a 65% lower linear AAA expansion rate per month in patients with diabetes. This study confirms a difference of AAA physiology between diabetics and nondiabetics in the Hispanic community. The observed significant difference in AAA growth rate may be a combination of factors associated with race/ethnicity, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and low compliance with diabetic control exhibited in the Mexican-American population.

Growth of the thoracic aorta in the smoking population: The Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial

BackgroundAlthough the descending aortic diameter is larger in smokers, data about thoracic aortic growth is missing. Our aim is to present the distribution of thoracic aortic growth in smokers and to compare it with literature of the general population. MethodsCurrent and ex-smokers aged 50–70 years from the longitudinal Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial, were included. Mean and 95th percentile of annual aortic growth of the ascending aortic (AA) and descending aortic (DA) diameters were calculated with the first and last non-contrast computed tomography scans during follow-up. Determinants of change in aortic diameter over time were investigated with linear mixed models. ResultsA total of 1987 participants (56% male, mean age 57.4 ± 4.8 years) were included. During a median follow-up of 48 months, mean AA and DA growth rates were comparable between males (AA 0.12 ± 0.31 mm/year and DA 0.10 ± 0.30 mm/year) and females (AA 0.11 ± 0.29 mm/year and DA 0.13 ± 0.27 mm/year). The 95th percentile ranged from 0.42 to 0.47 mm/year, depending on sex and location. Aortic growth was comparable between current and ex-smokers and aortic growth was not associated with pack-years. Our findings are consistent with aortic growth rates of 0.08 to 0.17 mm/years in the general population. Larger aortic growth was associated with lower age, increased height, absence of medication for hypertension or hypercholesterolemia and lower Agatston scores. ConclusionsThis longitudinal study of smokers in the age range of 50–70 years shows that ascending and descending aortic growth is approximately 0.1 mm/year and is consistent with growth in the general population.

Proximal aorta longitudinal strain predicts aortic root dilation rate and aortic events in Marfan syndrome.

Life expectancy in Marfan syndrome patients has improved thanks to the early detection of aortic dilation and prophylactic aortic root surgery. Current international clinical guidelines support the use of aortic root diameter as a predictor of complications. However, other imaging markers are needed to improve risk stratification. This study aim to ascertain whether proximal aorta longitudinal and circumferential strain and distensibility assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) predict the aortic root dilation rate and aortic events in Marfan syndrome. One hundred and seventeen Marfan patients with no previous aortic dissection, cardiac/aortic surgery, or moderate/severe aortic regurgitation were prospectively included in a multicentre protocol of clinical and imaging follow-up. At baseline, CMR was performed and proximal aorta longitudinal strain and ascending aorta circumferential strain and distensibility were obtained. During follow-up (85.7 [75.0-93.2] months), the annual growth rate of aortic root diameter was 0.62 ± 0.65 mm/year. Fifteen patients underwent elective surgical aortic root replacement and four presented aortic dissection. Once corrected for baseline clinical and demographic characteristics and aortic root diameter, proximal aorta longitudinal strain, but not circumferential strain and distensibility, was an independent predictor of the aortic root diameter growth rate (P = 0.001, P = 0.823, and P = 0.997, respectively), z-score growth rate (P = 0.013, P = 0.672, and P = 0.680, respectively), and aortic events (P = 0.023, P = 0.096, and P = 0.237, respectively). Proximal aorta longitudinal strain is independently related to the aortic root dilation rate and aortic events in addition to aortic root diameter, clinical risk factors, and demographic characteristics in Marfan syndrome patients.

Aortic growth rates are not increased in Turner syndrome-a prospective CMR study.

Aortic disease is a key determinant of outcomes in Turner syndrome (TS). The present study characterized aortic growth rates and outcomes over nearly a decade in adult women with TS. Prospective observational study assessing aortic diameters twice with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in women with TS [N = 91; mean follow-up 8.8 ± 3.3 (range 1.6-12.6) years] and healthy age-matched female controls [N = 37; mean follow-up 6.7 ± 0.5 (range 5.9-8.1) years]. Follow-up also included aortic outcomes and mortality, antihypertensive treatment and ambulatory blood pressure. Aortic growth rates were similar or smaller in TS, but the variation was larger. The proximal aorta in TS grew by 0.20 ± 0.26 (mid-ascending) to 0.32 ± 0.36 (sinuses) mm/year. This compared to 0.26 ± 0.14 (mid-ascending) and 0.32 ± 0.17 (sinuses) mm/year in the controls. During 799 years at risk, 7 suffered an aortic outcome (1 aortic death, 2 aortic dissections, 2 aortic interventions, 2 surgical aortic listings) with further 2 aortic valve replacements. At baseline, two women were excluded. One died during subacute aortic surgery (severe dilatation) and one had a previously undetected type A dissection. The combined aortic outcome rate was 1126 per 100000 observation years. The aortic and all-cause mortality rates were 1 per 799 years (125 deaths per 100000 observation years) and 9 per 799 years (1126 deaths per 100000 observation years). Aortic growth patterns were particularly perturbed in bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and aortic coarctation (CoA). Aortic growth rates in TS are not increased. BAVs and CoA are major factors that impact aortic growth. Aortic outcomes remain a concern.

Influence of Luminal Communication on Aortic Enlargement after Hemiarch Replacement for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

Aortic enlargement after hemiarch replacement (HAR) for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) is a serious problem. We reviewed our experience and analyzed the risk factors for aortic enlargement. During April 2005 to December 2017, 364 patients underwent HAR for AAAD. Seventy-three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We analyzed the change in aortic diameter, aortic growth rate, and major adverse aortic events (MAAEs) and their association with luminal communication of the aortic arch. Anastomotic communication, supra-aortic communication (SAC), and distal aortic communication were found in 34 (46.6%), 28 (38.4%), and 20 (27.4%) patients, respectively. The aortic growth rate was high because of the presence of SAC, distal aortic communication, and the number of coexisting aortic communication. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of SAC and an initial aortic diameter > 35 mm at 20 mm distal to the left subclavian artery and at the pulmonary artery bifurcation (PAB) were risk factors for MAAEs. Multivariate analysis showed that SAC and an initial aortic diameter > 35 mm at the PAB were independent risk factors for MAAEs. SAC, distal aortic communication, and the number of coexisting aortic communication are significant risk factors for aortic enlargement after HAR for AAAD. SAC and an initial aortic diameter > 35 mm at the PAB are independent risk factors for MAAEs after this procedure.

Residual Arch Tears and Major Adverse Events After Acute DeBakey Type I Aortic Dissection Repair

Tear-oriented surgical procedure is considered a standard treatment for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection (AIAD). However, long-term surgical outcomes, including aortic growth and rate of major adverse aortic events (MAAEs), have yet to be clarified. Of the 274 patients who underwent surgical repair for AIAD between 2009 and 2016, 105 patients with both predischarge and follow-up computed tomographic scans were enrolled. The surgical extent was determined by primary entry tear location. We measured aortic diameters (pulmonary artery bifurcation, maximum diameter of the descending thoracic aorta [maxDTA], andceliac axis) and compared MAAEs (aorta growth rate ≥ 5 mm/year or maxDTA ≥ 55 mm according to surgical extent). Twenty-nine patients underwent total arch replacement (TAR); 76 underwent non-TAR. In the non-TAR group, patients with or without residual tears in the arch vessels were classified as having complete arch repair (non-TAR-CAR, n= 52) or incomplete arch repair (non-TAR-IAR, n= 24). Considerable differences were found in the aortic growth rate between the TAR and non-TAR groups and the non-TAR-CAR and non-TAR-IAR groups. Freedom from MAAEs at 5 years was considerably higher in the non-TAR-CAR group than in the non-TAR-IAR group (84.5% versus 31.1%). However, no differences were observed in the aortic growth rate and freedom from MAAEs between the TAR and non-TAR-CAR groups. Classic tear-oriented surgical procedure is insufficient for optimal long-term surgical outcomes, mainly regarding aortic dilation. CAR without residual arch vessel tears leads to favorable aortic remodeling in the residual DTA and prevents MAAEs after AIAD repair.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair to treat uncomplicated Stanford type B aortic dissection: The surgeon's dilemma to preventing future complications.

Uncomplicated type B aortic dissections have traditionally been managed non-operatively with aggressive blood pressure control. However, the best medical treatment is associated with a considerable risk of disease progression to complicated dissection or aneurysmal degeneration of the affected aortic segment. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair could prevent long-term complications but, because the dissected aorta is vulnerable, it is a high-risk procedure performed in asymptomatic patient. Therefore, endovascular treatment is not a solution for all patients and it should be performed only in the subgroup prone to developing progression of the disease and future complications. A number of studies have suggested several prognostic factors of early or late adverse events such as the patency of the false lumen in the follow-up, an initial aortic diameter ≥4 cm with a patent false lumen, an initial false lumen diameter ≥22 mm in the proximal descending aorta, visceral involvement and recurrent or refractory pain or hypertension. Partial false lumen thrombosis and a proximal entry tear size >10 mm have also been suggested to be associated with an increased rate of aortic growth. We need randomised trials focused on these prognostic factors to reach level 1, class A recommendation for the optimal timing of intervention. Meanwhile, we have to discuss with the patient the pro and cons of this prophylactic, low-invasive but high-risk treatment to personalise medical care and provide the optimal risk-to-benefit ratio.

Commentary on “The Relationship Between Serum Interleukin-1α and Asymptomatic Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Size, Morphology, and Growth Rates”

Commentary on “The Relationship Between Serum Interleukin-1α and Asymptomatic Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Size, Morphology, and Growth Rates”

Differential flow improvements after valve replacements in bicuspid aortic valve disease: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment

BackgroundAbnormal aortic flow patterns in bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAV) may be partly responsible for the associated aortic dilation. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) may normalize flow patterns and potentially slow the concomitant aortic dilation. We therefore sought to examine differences in flow patterns post AVR.MethodsNinety participants underwent 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance: 30 BAV patients with prior AVR (11 mechanical, 10 bioprosthetic, 9 Ross procedure), 30 BAV patients with a native aortic valve and 30 healthy subjects.ResultsThe majority of subjects with mechanical AVR or Ross showed normal flow pattern (73% and 67% respectively) with near normal rotational flow values (7.2 ± 3.9 and 10.6 ± 10.5 mm2/ms respectively vs 3.8 ± 3.1 mm2/s for healthy subjects; both p > 0.05); and reduced in-plane wall shear stress (0.19 ± 0.13 N/m2 for mechanical AVR vs. 0.40 ± 0.28 N/m2 for native BAV, p < 0.05). In contrast, all subjects with a bioprosthetic AVR had abnormal flow patterns (mainly marked right-handed helical flow), with comparable rotational flow values to native BAV (20.7 ± 8.8 mm2/ms and 26.6 ± 16.6 mm2/ms respectively, p > 0.05), and a similar pattern for wall shear stress. Data before and after AVR (n = 16) supported these findings: mechanical AVR showed a significant reduction in rotational flow (30.4 ± 16.3 → 7.3 ± 4.1 mm2/ms; p < 0.05) and in-plane wall shear stress (0.47 ± 0.20 → 0.20 ± 0.13 N/m2; p < 0.05), whereas these parameters remained similar in the bioprosthetic AVR group.ConclusionsAbnormal flow patterns in BAV disease tend to normalize after mechanical AVR or Ross procedure, in contrast to the remnant abnormal flow pattern after bioprosthetic AVR. This may in part explain different aortic growth rates post AVR in BAV observed in the literature, but requires confirmation in a prospective study.

Aortic Size in Turner Syndrome: Relation to Body Composition and Impact of Bicuspid Aortic Valve on Aortic Dilatation and Aortic Growth Rate

Background: The cardiovascular phenotype in Turner Syndrome (TS) includes high rates of aortic dilatation and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Due to short stature, aortic diameter index (ascending aortic diameter/BSA, ADI) is currently used to identify TS patients with aortic dilatation.

Natural history of the proximal aorta in patients with descending thoracic aortic disease

ObjectiveThis study investigated the growth and behavior of the ascending aorta in patients with descending thoracic aortic disease. MethodsWe examined 200 patients with descending thoracic aortic disease including acute type B dissection (n = 95), chronic type B dissection (n = 38), intramural hematoma (n = 23), and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (n = 44). Images from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated after three-dimensional reconstruction to examine the growth rate in those with >1 year of imaging follow-up (n = 108). Survival data were derived from all 200 patients in this study. ResultsAverage proximal aortic dimensions at the index image were relatively small, measuring 3.65 ± 0.51 cm in the root, 3.67 ± 0.48 cm in the ascending aorta, and 3.50 ± 0.44 cm in the proximal arch. Average growth rate was low for the aortic root, ascending aorta, and proximal arch at 0.36 ± 0.64 mm/y, 0.26 ± 0.44 mm/y, and 0.25 ± 0.44 mm/y, respectively. There was no difference in baseline proximal aortic dimensions and growth rate between the four subgroups. An index aortic diameter ≥4.1 cm grew faster than those <4.1 cm at the ascending aorta (P = .028) and proximal arch (P = .019). There was no difference in aortic growth rates at the aortic root (P = .887). After the index scan, five patients underwent six ascending aortic replacement procedures, leading to a 3% ascending aortic intervention rate. Overall median life expectancy was 86.15 years. ConclusionsNative ascending aortic growth in patients with descending thoracic aortic disease is slow. We suggest regular follow-up for index ascending aorta ≥4.1 cm because of its larger initial size and more rapid growth.

Lessons learned about prevalence and growth rates of abdominal aortic aneurysms from a 25-year ultrasound population screening programme.

This study aimed to assess how the prevalence and growth rates of small and medium abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) (3·0-5·4 cm) have changed over time in men aged 65 years, and to evaluate long-term outcomes in men whose aortic diameter is 2·6-2·9 cm (subaneurysmal), and below the standard threshold for most surveillance programmes. The Gloucestershire Aneurysm Screening Programme (GASP) started in 1990. Men aged 65 years with an aortic diameter of 2·6-5·4 cm, measured by ultrasonography using the inner to inner wall method, were included in surveillance. Aortic diameter growth rates were estimated separately for men who initially had a subaneurysmal aorta, and those who had a small or medium AAA, using mixed-effects models. Since 1990, 81 150 men had ultrasound screening for AAA (uptake 80·7 percent), of whom 2795 had an aortic diameter of 2·6-5·4 cm. The prevalence of screen-detected AAA of 3·0 cm or larger decreased from 5·0 percent in 1991 to 1·3 percent in 2015. There was no evidence of a change in AAA growth rates during this time. Of men who initially had a subaneurysmal aorta, 57·6 (95 percent c.i. 54·4 to 60·7) percent were estimated to develop an AAA of 3·0 cm or larger within 5 years of the initial scan, and 28·0 (24·2 to 31·8) percent to develop a large AAA (at least 5·5 cm) within 15 years. The prevalence of screen-detected small and medium AAAs has decreased over the past 25 years, but growth rates have remained similar. Men with a subaneurysmal aorta at age 65 years have a substantial risk of developing a large AAA by the age of 80 years.

Analysis of Aortic Growth Rates in Uncomplicated Type B Dissection

Uncomplicated type B dissections have historically been treated medically with hemodynamic control. Early progression of the disease and late aneurysmal dilation have been considered as indications for intervention. The aim of this study is to analyze growth rate patterns of type B dissections based on computed tomography (CT) measurements over time. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with acute type B dissection from 2008 to 2014 who had at least 2 follow-up CT scans. Patients with rapid progression requiring interventions were also included. Using M2S software (M2S, Lebanon, NH), we calculated the mean centerline diameter of the true and false lumens at 3 different sites of the descending aorta. Growth rate was calculated as the change in maximal diameter between the first interval and last available CT scans. Primary outcome was to compare the growth rate pattern between the 2 time intervals. Secondary outcomes included early and delayed aortic intervention and overall mortality (OM). A total of 108 patients were included. Average age of patients was 58.7years. Median follow-up time was 3months for the first CT and 32months for the second. OM was 27.8% (n=30), whereas the disease-specific mortality was 11.1% (n=12). Thirty-seven percent (n=40) required operative intervention (18 open and 22 endovascular repair): 20 at 30days, 12 at 12months, and 8 patients at >1year. Mean aortic growth rate was higher in the first time interval compared with the second: 0.89 vs. 0.19mm/month (P<0.05) at the proximal descending aorta, 1.01 vs. 0.18mm/month (P<0.05) at the mid-descending aorta, and 0.65 vs. 0.28mm/month; (P<0.05) at the distal descending aorta. Those who underwent intervention had a higher aortic growth rate at early and late interval (P<0.05). Age and number of comorbidities were associated with OM. Thrombosis of the false lumen did not affect the mortality and intervention rate. Type B dissection is associated with aortic growth over time. The overall growth rate was not linear with a more prominent initial phase. Faster aortic growth rate is associated with an increased intervention rate, whereas advanced age and number of comorbidities are associated with increased mortality. Prospectively designed studies are needed to identify the subgroup of patients who may benefit from early intervention based on growth rate measurements.

The prognostic impact of distal anastomotic new entry after acute type I aortic dissection repair.

Distal anastomotic new entry (DANE) is considered to be one of the causes of patent false lumen (PFL) after acute type I aortic dissection repair. However, there have been few articles with regard to this important issue. We assessed the influence of PFL caused by DANE on long-term outcomes. One hundred twenty-two patients underwent emergency surgery for acute type I aortic dissection (2007-12). The in-hospital mortality was 8% (10 patients). Among the survivors, 93 patients (mean age 67 years) underwent enhanced computed tomography within 2 weeks after the operation. These patients were divided into 3 groups according to the status of the residual FL: those with a PFL with DANE (n = 19) or without DANE (n = 27) and those with a thrombosed FL (n = 47). Changes in descending aortic diameter were analysed between early and last follow-up images. Aortic growth rate in the PFL with DANE group was greater than that of the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). The PFL with DANE group demonstrated a lower rate of freedom from dissection-related event of distal aorta (66% at 5 years) and enlargement of distal aortic lesions (62% at 5 years). There were no significant differences in late survival among the groups. PFL with DANE was one of the significant risk factors for distal aortic events. PFL caused by DANE after acute type I aortic dissection repair showed greater aortic growth rate of the descending aorta and was one of the significant risk factors for distal aortic events.

Efficacy of losartan as add-on therapy to prevent aortic growth and ventricular dysfunction in patients with Marfan syndrome: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Background: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a multisystemic hereditary connective tissue disease. Aortic root aneurysms and dissections are the most common and life-threatening cardiovascular disorders affecting these patients. Other cardiac manifestations include mitral valve prolapse, ventricular dysfunction and arrhythmias. Medical treatment of cardiovascular features is ultimately aimed at slowing down aortic root growth rate and preventing dissection. Losartan has been proposed as a new therapeutic tool for this purpose. To which extent losartan affects cardiac function has not been studied previously.Methods: We designed a prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of losartan added to beta-blocker therapy on aortic growth and ventricular function in patients with MFS. Secondary outcomes were aortic dissection, prophylactic aortic surgery and death.Results: Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the trial. There was a mild and similar increase in the aortic root during the 3 years of follow-up in both groups (median 1 mm, IQR [−1–1.5] and 1 mm, IQR [−0.25–1] in the losartan and placebo group, respectively, p = 1). Diastolic and systolic ventricular function was normal at baseline in both groups and remained stable during the study. One patient in the placebo group presented a subclavian artery dissection during follow-up.Conclusion: Losartan on top of beta-blocker therapy has no additional effect on aortic growth or on cardiac function in patients with MFS. Our results are underpowered but are in line with the result from other groups. In order to have a better insight on whether a group of patients could benefit more from losartan therapy, the outcome of an on-going meta-analysis should be awaited.