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Aortic root dilatation as a marker of subclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with

H Masugata1, S Senda, K Murao

  • 1Department of Integrated Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan. masugata@med.kagawa-u.ac.jp

The Journal of International Medical Research
|June 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Aortic root dilatation may indicate early left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. This finding suggests preventative therapy for heart failure in individuals with preserved systolic function and an enlarged aortic root.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Echocardiography
  • Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment

Background:

  • Clinical significance of aortic root dilatation in cardiovascular risk stratification remains debated.
  • Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is a precursor to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
  • Identifying subclinical diastolic dysfunction is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between aortic root diameter and echocardiographic markers of LV diastolic function.
  • To assess the utility of aortic root diameter as a marker for subclinical diastolic dysfunction.
  • To explore sex-specific associations between cardiovascular risk factors and aortic root diameter.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 333 patients with cardiovascular risk factors and preserved LV systolic function.
  • Aortic root diameter measured by M-mode echocardiography.
  • LV diastolic function assessed using Doppler echocardiography (transmitral flow E/A waves, mitral annular velocity E').

Main Results:

  • Aortic root diameter correlated with LV diastolic function parameters (E, E/A ratio, E') in both sexes.
  • Hypertension and LV hypertrophy were associated with aortic root diameter in men; age was associated in women.
  • E wave in women and E' wave in men were independently associated with aortic root diameter.

Conclusions:

  • Aortic root dilatation may serve as a valuable indicator of subclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.
  • Patients with preserved systolic function and aortic root dilatation warrant preventative therapy for diastolic heart failure.
  • Early detection of diastolic dysfunction via aortic root measurement can guide therapeutic strategies.

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