Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is one of the most feasible, noninvasive methods for assessing the aortic diameter and biomechanical changes. We studied possible interfaces between noninvasive biomechanical and speckle-tracking (ST) echocardiographic data from dilated aortas.
Methods
Altogether, 44 patients with dilative pathology of ascending aorta (DPAA) were compared with subjects without ascending aortic dilation (diameter <40 mm). DPAA patients formed two groups based on diameter size: group 1, ≤45 mm diameter; group 2, >45 mm. Conventional and 2D-ST echocardiography were performed to evaluate peak longitudinal strain (LS), longitudinal (LD) and transverse (TD) displacement, and longitudinal velocity (VL). Aortic strain, distensibility, elastic modulus, stiffness index β of Valsalva sinuses and ascending aorta were also evaluated. SPSS version 20 was used for all analyses.
Results
All linear diameters of the ascending aorta were increased in group 2 (>45 mm diameter) (p < 0.05). LD of the anterior aortic wall (p < 0.05) and TD of both aortic walls (p < 0.001) were least in group 2. VL of the posterior and anterior walls diminished in group 2 (p = 0.01). Aortic strain and distensibility were least (p = 0.028 and p = 0.001, respectively) and elastic modulus and stiffness index β values were greatest in group 2, although without statistical significance.
Conclusions
Ascending aortas of both DPAA groups had reduced elasticity and increased stiffness. The greatest changes in biomechanical parameters occurred in ascending aortas >45 mm. Longitudinal ascending aortic wall motion was mostly impaired in patients with aortas >45 mm (i.e., anterior aortic wall LD, VL of the posterior and anterior walls. TD of the posterior and anterior aortic walls was significantly lower in >45 mm aortic diameter patients. TD of 5.2 mm could predict aortic dilation >45 mm (area under the curve 0.76, p < 0.001, confidence interval 0.65–0.87; sensitivity 87%; specificity 63%). Greater aortic dilation is associated with reduced aortic stiffness parameters and increased elastic modulus and stiffness index β. Lower LD and LS were associated with less aortic strain and distensibility. There were no significant differences in 2D-ST echocardiographic or stiffness parameters between patients with tricuspid or bicuspid aortic valves.
Abkürzungen
2D-ST
Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography
BAV
Bicuspid aortic valve
DBP
Diastolic blood pressure
DD
Diastolic aortic diameter
DPAA
Dilative pathology of the ascending aorta
EF
Ejection fraction
LD
Longitudinal displacement
LS
Longitudinal strain
LV
Left ventricle
SBP
Systolic blood pressure
SD
Systolic aortic diameter
STJ
Sinotubular junction
TD
Transversal displacement
VL
Longitudinal velocity
Background
Aortic dilation is the most frequent pathology of the ascending aorta and a well-known risk factor for dissection. An aneurysm has been defined as localized dilation of an artery, with at least a 50% increase in the diameter compared with the expected normal diameter. Because of the increased risk of aortic dissection, surgical repair is recommended for patients with an ascending aorta aneurysm [1].
According to the 2014 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of aortic disease, surgery is indicated for an aortic root aneurysm in the following patients: those with Marfan syndrome (IC class) with a maximum aortic diameter of 50 mm; those with Marfan syndrome with a 45 mm aortic diameter and risk factors; those with a 50 mm aortic diameter, a bicuspid valve, and risk factors; those with a 55 mm aortic diameter and no elastopathy [2].
Anzeige
The possibility of defining biomechanical properties of an aortic wall more precisely has increased in recent years, which could help improve our understanding of aortic wall properties and the potential risk for rupture [3]. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography is one of the most feasible and the oldest method for diagnosing this pathology. More precisely, it can be used not only for diameter assessment but also for noninvasive measurement of biomechanical changes in the aorta.
Arterial stiffness parameters (e.g., distensibility, stiffness β, an elastic modulus, aortic strain) can also be evaluated by 2D echocardiography. Arterial stiffness is one of the earliest detectable manifestations of adverse structural and functional changes in the vessel wall [4]. Arterial stiffness, which increases with age [5], is an important predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [6]. Changes in arterial stiffness may have global consequences (i.e., affecting the whole arterial system, such as age-related stiffening). Changes could also be more localized, however, as in the case of arterial pathology (e.g., an aortic aneurysm) [7].
A novel method—2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-ST)—is a bedside approach to assessing human aortic wall strain and motion. Up to now there have been few data available regarding the use of 2D-ST echocardiography for evaluating the ascending aorta.
2D-ST echocardiography is able to identify specific acoustic markers (i.e., speckles) in grey-scale images and track them frame-by-frame throughout the cardiac cycle. The results enable independent calculations of motion and deformation variables, such as velocity, displacement, strain (e), and strain rate [8, 9].
Anzeige
We therefore investigated the elastic and mechanical properties of the ascending aorta using the novel 2D-ST method. The aim was to find interfaces between noninvasively measured biomechanical data from a dilated aorta using different echocardiographic techniques.
Methods
Study population
The current study included 44 patients with dilative pathology of the ascending aorta (DPAA; 78.3% men; mean age 55.41 ± 14.69 years) and 53 controls (51.9% men; mean age 58.64 ± 7.50 years). The control group consisted of subjects without ascending aorta dilation (diameter >40 mm). The DPAA group was subdivided into two groups according to the diameter of the ascending aorta: group 1, ≤45 mm diameter; group 2, >45 mm.
All DPAA patients were treated in the Cardiology Department at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences during 2012–2014. Inclusion criteria were an ascending aorta or sinus dilation ≥40 mm with or without aortic valve pathology, good-quality echocardiographic images, sinus rhythm, and the absence of hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease shown by coronary angiography (stenosis <50%). We excluded patients with acute aortic syndrome, aortic coarctation, an implanted pacemaker, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and/or a history of coronary artery bypass surgery.
Clinical evaluation and 2D and 2D-ST echocardiography were performed prior to cardiac surgery. All participants gave their informed written consent, and the Kaunas Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee approved the study (ref. number BE-2-12).
2D and 2D-ST echocardiography
Both conventional (2D) and 2D-ST echocardiography were performed using a Vivid 7 (GE-Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Horten, Norway) ultrasonography machine with a M3S probe. M-mode, 2D, Doppler, and 2D-ST echocardiography examinations were performed to obtain standard parasternal and apical views. To minimize the variability of measurements, all echo/Doppler evaluations were performed and analyzed by a single physician. The linear data were measured and averaged over three heartbeats. The diameters of the heart chambers and aortic diameters were measured according to the last published guidelines for cardiac chamber quantification in adults. The left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fractions were calculated from apical two- and four-chamber views using the biplane Simpson’s disc summation method. Aortic diameters were measured as absolute values and as values indexed to the body surface area. The aortic diameters ratio was determined as ratio of the observed diameter to expected diameter [10].
For the aortic 2D-ST analysis, tissue harmonic images were used. The mean frame rate was adjusted to 50–90 frames per second, and the cine-loop of three consecutive heartbeats was stored and transferred to a workstation for off-line ST analysis (EchoPac PC; GE Vingmed). Before analysis, the timing of an aortic valve and a mitral valve opening and closing was assessed using pulsed-wave Doppler recordings of aortic and transmitral flow, respectively.
The echocardiographic images of the ascending aorta were obtained from the long-axis parasternal view. The shortest distance from the aortic annulus with good visibility was 3 cm. Manual tracing of the inner contour of the aortic root and the proximal ascending aorta was performed during systole. Dedicated software tracked the contour on all other frames automatically. Because the tracking software was created for use in the left ventricle, we used the two-chamber analysis option and then changed the six segments to four, thus dividing the aortic wall into four segments: anterior sinus, anterior ascending aorta, posterior sinus, posterior ascending aorta. For the aortic evaluation, we excluded the “LV apical segment” analysis. After manual correction of the region of interest, correct tracking was verified.
We then evaluated the peak longitudinal strain (LS), which is considered the change in segment length/resting segment length—i.e., deformation of an object relative to its original length (a dimensionless ratio expressed as a percent); longitudinal (LD) and transverse (TD) displacements, defined as a change in the position of an object; and longitudinal velocity (VL), displacement of an object per time unit—of the Valsalva sinuses and the ascending part of the aorta (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1
Example parasternal long axis view of a two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic image of longitudinal displacement of the ascending aorta
×
Anzeige
For all of the subjects, arterial blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer at the brachial artery. Aortic stiffness describes the elastic resistance that the aorta sets against distension [7]. The parameters of the ascending aorta stiffness and elasticity were calculated using previously described formulas [11, 12].
Aortic diameter change (mm): SD − DD
Aortic strain: (SD − DD)/DD
Aortic distensibility: 2 × (change in aortic diameter)/(diastolic aortic diameter) × (change in aortic pressure)
Elastic modulus: (SBP − DBP)/strain
Stiffness index β: ln (SBP/DBP)/strain
where DD is the diastolic aortic diameter, SD is the systolic aortic diameter, DBP is the diastolic blood pressure, SBP is the systolic blood pressure, and ln is a natural logarithm.
Statistical analysis
SPSS version 20 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for all data analyses. The continuous variables are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation (SD). Normal distribution of the continuous values was assessed by the Kolmogorov − Smirnov test. The categorical variables are expressed as absolute numbers and percentages. The statistical test used in these cases was the χ2 test. The means were compared using the two-tailed unpaired Student test or Mann–Whitney test. The relation between the variables was estimated using Pearson’s correlation (r). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of strains for predicting a dilated aorta. A value of p < 0.05 was regarded as indicating statistical significance.
Results
The demographic, clinical, and conventional echocardiographic data of the study groups are shown in Tables 1 and 2. More men were enrolled in the study, but there were no differences between the sex distribution, age, or body surface area in the groups. More hypertensive patients (89.3%) were included in group 2 than in group 1 or the controls. Systolic blood pressure was highest in group 2, and diastolic blood pressure was highest in the controls.
Table 1
Demographic and clinical data for the study population
Parameter
Controls
Diameter of ascending aorta
p
Group 1 (≤45 mm)
Group 2 (>45 mm)
Controls vs. group 1
Controls vs. group 2
Group 1 vs. group 2
Age (years)
58.2 ± 7.1
52.9 ± 13.8
60.1 ± 12.2
NS
NS
NS
Sex (F/M) (%)
43.3/56.7
18.8/81.2
25.0/75.0
NS
NS
NS
Body surface area (m2)
1.91 ± 0.2
2.01 ± 0.2
2.0 ± 0.2
NS
NS
NS
Arterial hypertension (%)
65.2
60.0
89.3
NS
0.02
0.02
Blood pressure (mmHg)
Systolic
134.6 ± 13.7
138.8 ± 17.7
145.8 ± 23.5
NS
0.01
NS
Diastolic
84.1 ± 9.6
73.4 ± 13.0
78.8 ± 11.8
0.003
0.03
NS
Antihypertensive Rx (%)
β-Blockers
25.5
85.7
77.8
<0.05
0.001
NS
ACE-I
22.0
64.3
55.6
<0.05
0.002
NS
ARB
17.6
7.7
18.5
NS
NS
NS
Smokers (%)
28.8
0
7.4
<0.05
0.02
NS
Aortic valve pathology (%)
Aortic valve insufficiency
0
50.0
53.8
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Stenosis
0
6.2
15.4
NS
0.002
NS
Bicuspid
0
62.5
30.4
0.001
0.001
0.04
ACE-I angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ARB angiotensin receptor blockers, NS not significant, Rx treatment, Values are mean (SD) unless otherwise indicated
Table 2
Conventional echocardiographic data for the study population
Parameter
Controls
Diameter of ascending aorta
p
Group 1 (≤45 mm)
Group 2 (>45 mm)
Controls vs. group 1
Controls vs. group 2
Group 1 vs. group 2
LV diastolic diameter (mm)
46.9 ± 4.6
55.9 ± 7.3
55.3 ± 8.9
<0.001
<0.001
NS
LVEDDi (mm/m2)
24.1 ± 2.2
28.0 ± 3.9
27.5 ± 4.2
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Interventricular septum (mm)
10.7 ± 1.5
12.5 ± 1.6
13.5 ± 2.3
<0.001
<0.001
NS
LV posterior wall (mm)
10.1 ± 1.4
11.1 ± 1.5
11.9 ± 2.0
0.02
<0.001
NS
LV ejection fraction (%)
57.2 ± 2.1
54.6 ± 3.4
50.2 ± 8.9
NS
<0.05
0.029
Ascending aorta diameter (mm)
Aortic annulus
22.5 ± 3.2
27.8 ± 3.2
26.5 ± 2.8
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Sinus at Valsalva level
35.0 ± 3.6
44.8 ± 7.6
47.2 ± 8.2
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Sinotubular junction
30.2 ± 3.1
37.6 ± 5.3
43.1 ± 8.8
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Ascending aorta in end-diastole
33.9 ± 3.3
42.8 ± 2.8
53.2 ± 6.0
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
Cross sectional area in systole
8.6 ± 1.6
14.5 ± 1.7
21.7 ± 6.7
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
Cross sectional area in diastole
7.7 ± 1.5
12.8 ± 1.6
19.9 ± 6.3
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
Aortic diameter/BSA (mm/m2)
Aortic annulus
11.6 ± 1.7
13.8 ± 1.5
13.4 ± 1.4
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Sinus at Valsalva
18.2 ± 1.9
22.2 ± 2.9
23.5 ± 3.6
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Sinotubular junction
15.6 ± 1.5
18.6 ± 1.5
21.7 ± 4.0
<0.001
<0.001
0.01
Ascending aorta in end-diastole
17.3 ± 1.7
21.5 ± 2.8
27.0 ± 5.5
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
Aortic diameter index (ratio): observed/expected values
Aortic annulus
0.89 ± 0.1
1.0 ± 0.1
1.02 ± 0.1
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Sinus at Valsalva level
1.0 ± 0.1
1.29 ± 0.2
1.35 ± 0.2
<0.001
<0.001
NS
Sinotubular junction
1.0 ± 0.1
1.24 ± 0.1
1.44 ± 0.2
<0.001
<0.001
0.01
Ascending aorta in end-diastole
1.1 ± 0.1
1.4 ± 0.2
1.76 ± 0.3
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
BSA body surface area, LV left ventricular, LVEDDi left ventricular end-diastolic diameter index, Values are mean (SD) unless otherwise indicated
Anzeige
The LV diameters did not differ between the DPAA groups but were significantly smaller in the controls. Statistically significantly larger LV ejection fractions were observed in group 1 and the controls. The linear absolute and indexed values of diameters of the ascending aorta were largest in group 2.
There were no aortic valves with hemodynamically significant stenosis or insufficiency in the control group. In contrast, severe aortic stenosis was diagnosed in 6.2% of patients in group 1 and in 15.4% in group 2. Overall, 50% of group 1 and 53.8% of group 2 patients had severe aortic insufficiency. There was no difference in the frequency of aortic regurgitation between the two DPAA groups. All of the control patients had an anatomically tricuspid aortic valve, whereas 62.5% of group 1 patients and 30.4% of group 2 patients had a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) (p < 0.04). The2D-ST echocardiographic parameters of the ascending aorta of the study groups are shown in Table 2. 2D-ST echocardiographic parameters of the ascending aorta of the study groups are shown in Table 2. The 2D-ST echocardiographic parameters of the ascending aorta of the study groups are shown in Table 3.
Table 3
Speckle-tracking echocardiographic parameters of the ascending aorta
Parameter
Diameter of ascending aorta
p
Controls
Group 1 (≤45 mm)
Group 2 (>45 mm)
Controls vs. group 1
Controls vs. group 2
Group 1 vs. group 2
Longitudinal displacement (mm)
Aortic posterior sinus
−5.3 ± 4.0
−6.2 ± 4.4
−4.3 ± 3.7
NS
NS
NS
Posterior ascending aorta
−3.3 ± 3.1
−2.6 ± 4.4
−3.3 ± 3.0
NS
NS
NS
Anterior ascending aorta
−9.8 ± 4.3
−11.5 ± 5.3
−6.8 ± 5.3
NS
0.01
0.018
Aortic anterior sinus
−11.7 ± 6.1
−13.9 ± 6.5
−9.6 ± 5.2
NS
NS
0.04
Aortic PW
−4.3 ± 3.4
−4.4 ± 4.1
−3.7 ± 2.8
NS
NS
NS
Aortic AW
−10.7 ± 4.9
−12.7 ± 5.7
−8.2 ± 4.8
NS
0.042
0.02
Transverse displacement (mm)
Aortic posterior sinus
5.7 ± 2.0
3.8 ± 3.0
3.6 ± 2.0
0.009
<0.001
NS
Posterior ascending aorta
5.4 ± 1.9
6.5 ± 3.0
4.0 ± 1.8
NS
0.002
0.003
Anterior ascending aorta
−5.6 ± 1.9
−5.7 ± 2.0
−3.9 ± 3.1
NS
0.01
NS
Aortic anterior sinus
−8.8 ± 2.2
−9.5 ± 2.6
−6.3 ± 4.1
NS
0.01
0.02
Aortic PW
5.6 ± 1.7
6.2 ± 2.1
3.8 ± 1.8
NS
<0.001
0.002
Aortic AW
−7.2 ± 2.0
−6.8 ± 2.5
−5.4 ± 2.9
NS
0.003
NS
Longitudinal strain (%)
Aortic posterior sinus
18.9 ± 19.1
19.8 ± 10.3
13.8 ± 16.4
NS
NS
NS
Posterior ascending aorta
17.8 ± 13.8
17.6 ± 14.6
13.54 ± 9.9
NS
NS
NS
Anterior ascending aorta
23.0 ± 17.6
29.0 ± 17.1
19.5 ± 10.9
NS
NS
NS
Aortic anterior sinus
12.5 ± 16.5
10.0 ± 13.4
11.8 ± 18.9
NS
NS
NS
Aortic PW
18.4 ± 15.1
18.4 ± 9.6
13.9 ± 12.1
NS
NS
NS
Aortic AW
17.6 ± 15.6
19.3 ± 11.7
14.8 ± 14.2
NS
NS
NS
Longitudinal velocity (cm/s)
Aortic posterior sinus
−7.6 ± 2.0
−6.3 ± 2.9
−5.9 ± 2.5
NS
0.002
NS
Posterior ascending aorta
−5.9 ± 2.0
−6.1 ± 2.9
−5.4 ± 2.1
NS
NS
NS
Anterior ascending aorta
−5.6 ± 1.8
−6.4 ± 1.8
−4.8 ± 1.4
NS
NS
0.009
Anterior sinus
−5.0 ± 2.0
−5.8 ± 1.9
−4.3 ± 2.3
NS
NS
NS
Aortic PW
−6.8 ± 1.7
−6.2 ± 2.0
−5.6 ± 1.7
NS
0.01
NS
Aortic AW
−5.3 ± 1.6
−6.1 ± 1.7
−4.5 ± 1.5
NS
NS
0.01
AW anterior wall, PW posterior wall, TD transverse displacement, Values are mean (SD) unless otherwise indicated
The LD of an anterior aortic wall (both the sinus and ascending part) was greatest in group 1. Group 2 had significantly less LD of the anterior aortic wall than the controls or group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the LD values of a posterior wall among the groups, but there was a tendency toward lower values in group 2 than in the controls or group 1.
Both the anterior and posterior walls of the ascending aorta during systole had statistically significantly greater TD in group 1 and the control group than in group 2. The largest TD of the posterior wall was recorded in group 1.
Anzeige
There was a tendency toward greater LD and TD values for the anterior aortic wall than the posterior wall in both DPAA groups. The largest LD values were observed in an anterior sinus segment and the smallest in the posterior aorta. In contrast, the least TD was seen in the aortic posterior sinus and the most in the anterior sinus.
There was a tendency toward lower LS in group 2, although the differences were not statistically significant. Interestingly, the LS in group 1was highest in the aortic posterior sinus and anterior ascending aorta segments compared with those of the controls but without statistical significance.
VL values for the anterior aortic wall were statistically significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 and were lower than the control values without a significant difference. In contrast, the posterior aortic wall had lower VL values than the controls. VL values in the anterior sinus were greatest in group 1.
After excluding patients with severe aortic stenosis and severe aortic insufficiency from the analysis, we obtained similar results. There were no differences in the 2D-ST mechanical parameters between the controls and group 1. Less LD and TD of the anterior aortic wall and lower VL of the posterior sinus was found in group 2 than in the controls (p < 0.05). Lower LD values were found in the anterior aortic wall of the group 2 than in group 1 (p < 0.05).
We analyzed 2D-ST echocardiographic and stiffness parameters (aortic strain, elastic modulus, stiffness index β, distensibility) between patients with tricuspid or BAVs in both DPAA groups. No significant differences were found. Only LS of the aortic posterior sinus was higher in the BAV population (8.9 ± 10.4 vs. 18.8 ± 14.4, p = 0.02) (Table 4). The biomechanical aortic parameters (strain, distensibility) were reduced in group 2 compared with those in the controls and group 1. The elastic modulus and stiffness index β values were higher in group 2 than in the controls but without a statistically significant difference (Table 5).
Table 4
Comparison of echocardiographic and stiffness parameters between patients with tricuspid or bicuspid aortic valves in the two DPAA groups
Parameter
Tricuspid aortic valve
Bicuspid aortic valve
p
Aortic annulus (mm)
26.3 ± 2.8
28.4 ± 3.8
NS
Sinus at Valsalva level (mm)
48.9 ± 9.6
43.8 ± 6.5
NS
Sinotubular junction (mm)
43.8 ± 8.5
38.5 ± 4.9
0.02
Ascending aorta in end-diastole (mm)
50.8 ± 7.4
46.0 ± 5.0
0.02
Aortic annulus (mm/m2)
13.6 ± 1.4
14.2 ± 1.3
NS
Sinus at Valsalva level (mm/m2)
25.2 ± 5.0
22.0 ± 2.9
0.02
Sinotubular junction (mm/m2)
22.6 ± 4.3
19.3 ± 2.4
0.004
Ascending aorta in end-diastole (mm/m2)
26.6 ± 6.7
23.2 ± 3.1
NS
2D-ST echocardiographic parameters
Longitudinal displacement (mm)
Aortic posterior sinus
−4.6 ± 4.4
−4.7 ± 3.5
NS
Posterior ascending aorta
−3.5 ± 3.8
−2.5 ± 3.1
NS
Anterior ascending aorta
−6.7 ± 5.4
−9.5 ± 5.0
NS
Aortic anterior sinus
−10.0 ± 5.1
−11.7 ± 5.6
NS
Aortic PW
−4.0 ± 3.6
−3.9 ± 2.9
NS
Aortic AW
−8.3 ± 4.8
−10.5 ± 5.1
NS
Transverse displacement (mm)
Aortic posterior sinus
3.1 ± 2.4
4.0 ± 2.6
NS
Posterior ascending aorta
4.0 ± 3.2
5.4 ± 1.6
NS
Anterior ascending aorta
−3.4 ± 2.9
−4.8 ± 2.9
NS
Aortic anterior sinus
−6.4 ± 4.2
−7.7 ± 3.5
NS
Aortic PW
4.2 ± 2.7
4.8 ± 2.0
NS
Aortic AW
−4.8 ± 2.5
−6.3 ± 3.1
NS
Longitudinal strain (%)
Aortic posterior sinus
8.9 ± 10.4
18.8 ± 14.4
0.02
Posterior ascending aorta
13.7 ± 11.4
15.1 ± 11.5
NS
Anterior ascending aorta
21.2 ± 11.3
24.8 ± 16.3
NS
Aortic anterior sinus
11.5 ± 20.9
10.9 ± 12.7
NS
Aortic PW
11.4 ± 9.3
16.9 ± 11.3
NS
Aortic AW
15.1 ± 14.0
17.8 ± 12.1
NS
Longitudinal velocity (cm/s)
Aortic posterior sinus
−5.9 ± 2.6
−5.8 ± 2.6
NS
Posterior ascending aorta
−5.6 ± 2.1
−6.1 ± 3.0
NS
Anterior ascending aorta
−5.2 ± 1.8
5.5 ± 1.3
NS
Anterior sinus
−4.7 ± 2.2
−4.8 ± 2.1
NS
Aortic PW
−5.8 ± 1.7
−6.0 ± 2.0
NS
Aortic AW
−4.9 ± 1.8
−5.2 ± 1.5
NS
Arterial stiffness parameters
Aortic diameter change (mm)
2.5 ± 1.2
2.4 ± 1.4
NS
Aortic strain (%)
5.3 ± 2.8
5.6 ± 3.2
NS
Elastic modulus (mmHg)
19.8 ± 13.8
23.4 ± 29.6
NS
Stiffness index β
0.2 ± 0.1
0.2 ± 0.3
NS
Aortic distensibility (mmHg)−1
0.2 ± 0.1
0.2 ± 0.1
NS
2D-ST two-dimensional speckle tracking, AW anterior wall, PW posterior wall, Values are mean (SD) unless otherwise indicated
Table 5
Arterial stiffness parameters of the ascending aorta estimated by echocardiography
Parameter
Patient groups
p
Controls
Group 1 (≤45 mm)
Group 2 (>45 mm)
Controls vs. group 1
Controls vs. group 2
Group 1 vs. group 2
Aortic diameter change (mm)
1.9 ± 1.3
2.6 ± 1.3
2.2 ± 1.2
NS
NS
NS
Aortic strain (%)
6.3 ± 4.8
6.6 ± 3.4
4.4 ± 2.4
NS
0.028
0.03
Elastic modulus (mmHg)
13.1 ± 11.9
14.2 ± 10.6
23.9 ± 24.2
NS
NS
NS
Stiffness index β
0.1 ± 0.1
0.1 ± 0.1
0.2 ± 0.3
NS
NS
NS
Aortic distensibility (mmHg−1)
0.3 ± 0.3
0.2 ± 0.1
0.1 ± 0.1
NS
0.001
NS
Values are mean (SD) unless otherwise indicated
Correlations between the 2D-ST echocardiographic results and the arterial biomechanical parameters of the ascending aorta were calculated for the whole patient population. The LD of both the anterior and posterior aortic walls had a negative correlation with the aortic strain (r = −0.267 and r = −0.211). LD values were mathematically negative, and the lower LD was associated with less aortic strain.
Less aortic distensibility was associated with reduced LD and LS of the anterior aortic wall. The lower the LD of the anterior aortic wall, the worse was the estimated aortic distensibility.
The LS of the anterior aortic wall directly correlated positively with aortic strain and distensibility: the lower the LS, the lower were the aortic strain and distensibility (respectively, r = 0.22 and r = 0.283). No correlations between the VL and the stiffness parameters of the ascending aorta were observed (Table 6).
Table 6
Correlation between speckle-tracking echocardiographic and arterial stiffness parameters of the ascending aorta for the total study population
Parameter
Aortic strain
Aortic distensibility
Longitudinal displacement (mm)
Aortic AW
−0.267**
−0.290**
Aortic PW
−0.211*
−0.185
Transverse displacement (mm)
Aortic AW
−0.132
−0.169
Aortic PW
−0.059
−0.016
Longitudinal strain (%)
Aortic AW
0.220*
0.283*
Aortic PW
0.076
0.105
Longitudinal velocity (cm/s)
Aortic AW
−0.003
−0.047
Aortic PW
0.077
0.007
AW anterior wall, PW posterior wall
**Correlation is significant at the p < 0.01 level. *Correlation is significant at the p < 0.05 level
Because the 2D-ST-derived aortic wall motion parameters were higher in group 1 patients, the correlation between these parameters and the aortic diameters (including patients from both DPAA groups) were analyzed. The results are shown in Table 7. Negative correlations were found between the aortic dimensions and wall motion. That is, the higher/greater aortic dimensions were associated with reduced absolute values of the LD and TD of the posterior aortic wall and reduced LS of both the anterior and posterior aortic walls.
Table 7
Correlation between the speckle-tracking echocardiographic parameters and aortic diameters
Parameter
Aortic sinus diameter
Ascending aorta diameter
Aortic cross sectional area
Longitudinal displacement (mm)
Aortic AW
0.23*
NS
NS
Aortic PW
0.22*
NS
NS
Transverse displacement (mm)
Aortic AW
0.33**
0.28**
0.33**
Aortic PW
−0.22*
−0.37**
−0.41**
Longitudinal strain (%)
Aortic AW
−0.23*
NS
NS
Aortic PW
−0.27*
NS
NS
Longitudinal velocity (cm/s)
Aortic AW
NS
NS
NS
Aortic PW
NS
0.22*
NS
AW anterior wall, PW posterior wall
**Correlation is significant at the p < 0.01 level. *Correlation is significant at the p < 0.05 level
ROC analysis showed that a value of 5.2 mm for TD of the posterior aortic wall [area under the curve (AUC) 0.76, p < 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.87; sensitivity 87%; specificity 63%] predicted aortic dilation >45 mm (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2
Receiver operating characteristic curve of transverse displacement of the aortic posterior wall, which predicts aortic dilation
×
Discussion
For a long time, the most important determinant of ascending aorta rupture was the size of the aneurysm [13, 14]. More recent data, however, indicate that the absolute size may not be the only factor. Less aortic dilation may lead to dissection, whereas a larger aneurysm may remain stable. Thus, risk parameters for rupture, other than size, should be considered. Locally confined changes in aortic wall motion or an increase in local strain may be additional indicators [7].
Since 2008, 2D-ST studies have successfully assessed local aortic vascular wall properties [15]. We presented here a bedside approach to assessing human aortic wall biomechanics. We used the 2D strain imaging technique for evaluating LV myocardial strain and adapted it to imaging the ascending aorta. So far, we do not have sufficient data regarding the 2D-ST method for evaluating the ascending aorta to make definitive conclusions.
The main finding of our study was that the 2D-ST parameters of the ascending aorta were most impaired in patients with larger aortas (group 2, >45 mm aortic diameter). During systole, the ascending aorta stretches lengthwise, and all segments of the anterior aortic wall move forward from the aortic annulus. Longitudinal wall motion—i.e., LD of all of the anterior aortic wall and VL of both (anterior and posterior) walls—was diminished in group 2. There was a tendency toward lower LS values for both aortic walls in group 2. The TD of both aortic walls was also decreased in the larger-aorta group. Accordingly, LD of both aortic walls was greatest in group 1 (≤45 mm diameter).
Yurdakul et al. [16] demonstrated that the peak LS, the strain rate, and total LD values were significantly impaired in patients with BAVs, compared with the controls. In our study, only LS of the aortic posterior sinus was greater in the BAV population, with no significant difference between the other 2D-ST parameters. These results could have been influenced by the larger ascending aortic dimensions of tricuspid valve patients compared with those of the BAV patients. It seems that 2D-ST parameters are more dependent on the linear diameters of the aorta than on the type of aortic valve.
Strain imaging of the normal ascending and abdominal aortas, as well as their aneurysms, has demonstrated heterogeneous systolic strain distributions in all aortic segments [7]. Our study showed that four regions of the proximal aorta move differently. The largest LD values were observed in the anterior sinus segment, and the smallest were in the posterior ascending aorta. The TD was least in the aortic posterior sinus and most in the anterior sinus. We determined that a TD value of 5.2 mm is able to predict aortic dilation >45 mm.
The human aorta is often modeled mechanically as a hollow cylinder loaded with pulse pressure, resulting in a completely homogeneous strain distribution in the aortic wall [17]. During systole, the substantial proximal aortic axial displacement produces LS. Analyzing the LS parameters showed that there was a tendency toward lower LS rates in group 2, although we did not determine if there was a statistically significant difference.
We observed intermediate values among the 2D-ST data for the control group compared with those of groups 1 and 2 (i.e., values were lower than in group 1). We assumed that the ascending aorta at the beginning of the dilation process (to 45 mm) compensates for stretching during systole, and the biomechanical 2D-ST findings are thus higher than those for the controls.
In the present study, we measured aortic biomechanics by recording LS curves of the ascending aorta using 2D-ST imaging in addition to the 2D ultrasonographic images for arterial stiffness assessment. It is known that the elasticity of the aorta incorporate both - the property of dilating and the property of recoiling to its initial shape during systole and diastole. Also aortic stiffness describes the elastic resistance that the aorta sets against distension [18]. According to our data, significantly less aortic strain (aortic diameter change) and distensibility parameters of the ascending aorta were observed in the patients with aortas >45 mm. The elastic modulus and stiffness index β values were higher in group 2 than in the controls.
Oishi et al. adapted the same 2D-ST method for evaluating the abdominal aorta. Their study showed that the circumferential aortic strain and the strain rate were significantly lower, and the abdominal aortic stiffness parameter β was significantly greater, in older subjects than in the young/middle-aged group [15]. In our study, there were no age differences between the groups, and the stiffness index β and elastic modulus were greatest in group 2.
In the Yurdacul et al. study, aortic strain and distensibility were significantly impaired in patients with BAVs, compared with that of the control group, and aortic stiffness was markedly increased in the patients with BAVs [16]. We did not observe statistically significant differences between the tricuspid and BAV patients in regard to stiffness parameters of the ascending aorta. This lack of a great difference could be due to smaller aortic dimensions in the BAV group and a higher rate of aortic insufficiency in this group. We established higher LS values for the aortic posterior sinus only in BAV patients.
The same findings were presented in the Ozdemir study of hypertensive non-dipper patients, but the diameters of the ascending aorta were not described [19]. In our study, more of the group 2 patients had a history of systemic hypertension, although the diastolic blood pressure was lower than that in the controls. Approximately half of the patients in both DPAA groups had aortic regurgitation. This group showed increased stiffness and reduced distensibility and strain of the ascending aorta. These changes could result from aortic dilation and arterial hypertension. Both factors seem to be responsible for changes in aortic elastic properties.
Recently, more attention has been paid to complex imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially in regard to imaging the aortic arch and descending aorta, because of the methodological limitations of echocardiography. It is important to note that the echocardiographic data concerning aortic biomechanics correlated with the CT and MRI results. Although CT and MRI have the advantage of being noninvasive, they remain expensive, and the availability of scanning facilities is limited.
We obtained weak to moderate correlation between the 2D-ST indices and the aortic stiffness parameters and aortic dimensions. A wider aorta was stiffer and was associated with lower absolute values for wall motion in longitudinal and transverse directions. This finding confirms that the dilated aorta cannot produce normal movement during several cardiac cycles, which could be a predictor of possible mechanical complications.
Study limitations
Our study had some limitations. About 20% of all of the investigated persons were not included in the study because of a poor acoustic window. In the cases of inadequate quality of echocardiographic images, the software could not perform SP analysis properly, which reduced the ability to perform analysis in all the patients. The off-line software for the ST images was created for analyzing the left ventricle, so this effort is simply a pilot study of 2D-ST imaging of the aorta.
We analyzed only the feasibility of 2D-ST echocardiography as a tool for assessing aortic biomechanics. We did not expand our work to determine if it could provide a prognosis for patients with aortic dilation or dissection.
In the present study we investigated a small group of patients, but we presume that a larger size of sample would show more precise results.
Conclusions
Both DPAA groups (ascending aortic diameters >40 mm) had reduced elasticity and increased stiffness of the ascending aorta. The most marked changes of the biomechanical parameters were seen in patients whose ascending aortic diameter was >45 mm. The longitudinal wall motion of the ascending aorta was mostly impaired in patients whose aorta was >45 mm (i.e., LD of the anterior aortic wall and LV of the posterior and anterior walls). TD of the posterior and anterior aortic walls also occurred statistically significantly less in patients whose aortic diameter was >45 mm. A TD value of 5.2 mm predicts aortic dilation >45 mm (AUC 0.76, p < 0.001, CI 0.65–0.87; sensitivity 87%; specificity 63%).
More extensive aortic dilation is associated with reduced aortic parameters (strain, distensibility) and increased elastic modulus and stiffness index β values. Lower LD and LS values were associated with less aortic strain and distensibility.
2D-ST echocardiography can be applied in daily clinical practice for evaluating aortic biomechanics.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Miss Kristina Vasiljevaite and Miss Gabriele Legotaite for the acquisition of anamnestical data, to Miss Simona Plienaityte for reviewing the English manuscript.
Funding
Not applicable.
Availability of data and materials
The datasets generated during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Authors’ contributions
MB wrote the draft manuscript, made a literature review; has been involved in echocardiographic data acquisition and analysis, speckle-tracking measurements; VM has been involved in echocardiographic data analysis, participated in the design of the study and performed the statistical analysis, revised the manuscript; JJV, VL has been involved in critical revision of the manuscript; RK, RV has been involved echocardiographic data analysis, in speckle-tracking measurements. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Informed written consent and study design approved by the Local Ethics Committee (Kaunas Regional Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, ref. number BE-2-12, 07.03.2012). Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study (institutional consent form is available on the request).
Open AccessThis article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.
Routinemäßige Mammografien helfen, Brustkrebs frühzeitig zu erkennen. Anhand der Röntgenuntersuchung lassen sich aber auch kardiovaskuläre Risikopatientinnen identifizieren. Als zuverlässiger Anhaltspunkt gilt die Verkalkung der Brustarterien.
Wenn unter einer medikamentösen Hochdrucktherapie der diastolische Blutdruck in den Keller geht, steigt das Risiko für schwere kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse: Darauf deutet eine Sekundäranalyse der SPRINT-Studie hin.
Beginnen ältere Männer im Pflegeheim eine Antihypertensiva-Therapie, dann ist die Frakturrate in den folgenden 30 Tagen mehr als verdoppelt. Besonders häufig stürzen Demenzkranke und Männer, die erstmals Blutdrucksenker nehmen. Dafür spricht eine Analyse unter US-Veteranen.
Der als Antidiabetikum sowie zum Gewichtsmanagement zugelassene Wirkstoff Tirzepatid hat in Studien bei adipösen Patienten auch schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen deutlich reduziert, informiert der Hersteller in einer Vorab-Meldung zum Studienausgang.
Update Kardiologie
Bestellen Sie unseren Fach-Newsletter und bleiben Sie gut informiert.
