Backgrounds:
We measure Aortic distensibility by magnetic resonance imaging or calculating from pulse wave velocity. During TEE study, we can visualize aortic structure by probe rotation about 180 degree so we can directly measure aortic area and diameter by trans-esophageal echocardiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of thoracic aortic distensibility measurements performed during diagnostic transesophageal echocardiographic examination and clinical correlation with biologic markers..
Methods:
63 patients (mean age 56.3 ± 15.4) were enrolled for this study. We assessed the systolic expansion index (SEI) defined as the percentage of aortic expansibility and calculated using the equation: 100 × (maximum systolic area - maximum diastolic area)/maximum diastolic area by off-line analysis by Q-Lab quantification system. Average measurements in 2 consecutive cardiac cycles were used for each variable analyzed
Results
We devided TEE examinations into several groups by sex, presence of atrial fibrillation , DM, Hypertension, and congestive heart failure. ( M vs F: 38 vs 25, AF vs non-AF: 31 vs 32, DM vs non-DM: 12 vs 51, HTN vs non HTN: 16 vs 47)
Male patients had larger Aortic diameter compare with female patients but there was no difference in Aortic distensibility.( aortic diameter in systole: 5.5 ± 1.6 Vs 4.6 ±1.4 cm2 , 11.6 ± 6.2% Vs 10.7 ± 4.4% ). There is no differance between Af and non AF groups in terms of aortic diameter and aortic distensibility. DM and Hypertension patients shows decresed aortic distensibility. (DM Vs non-DM: 8.53% vs 11.7%, P=0.35) (HTN vs non-HTN: 8.54% vs 11.96%. P=0.022)
There were no statistically significant correlation between aortic distensibility index and biologic marker but there were positive correlation between aortic distensibility index and aorta size and E’ at transthoracic echocardiography.
Conclusion:
Clinically, Measurements of the descending aorta diameter with the aid of transesophageal echocardiography are characterized by good feasibility. There is a modest correlation with disease like DM and HTN. Evaluation of the thoracic aorta with transesophageal echocardiography may help to better understand aortic pathology and also give information for research on the natural process of prevalent disease state as atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes.
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