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Aging impact on thoracic aorta 3D morphometry in intermediate-risk subjects: looking beyond coronary arteries with

Damian Craiem1, Gilles Chironi, Alban Redheuil

  • 1Favaloro University, Av. Belgrano 1723, CP 1093 Buenos Aires, Argentina. dcraiem@favaloro.edu.ar

Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|December 17, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Non-contrast cardiac CT can assess thoracic aorta geometry in aging men. This method quanties changes in aortic dimensions and shape, revealing age-related aortic remodeling.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Imaging
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Non-contrast cardiac computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used for atherosclerosis burden assessment in asymptomatic individuals.
  • Existing CT protocols offer opportunities to evaluate thoracic aorta geometry without additional radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a semi-automatic method for objectively assessing thoracic aorta dimensions and shape from non-contrast CT.
  • To investigate the effects of aging on thoracic aorta geometry using this novel method.

Main Methods:

  • A semi-automatic segmentation technique was developed to identify vessel centerline coordinates and reconstruct oblique planes.
  • Iterative circle fitting was employed to determine cross-sectional dimensions.
  • Thoracic aorta dimensions (diameter, volume, length) and shape parameters (curvature, tortuosity) were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Age-related increases in thoracic aorta length, mean diameter, and volume were observed in 200 normotensive men.
  • Aortic shape changed with aging, characterized by reduced tortuosity and increased radius of curvature, particularly in the aortic arch.
  • Significant differences in dimensions and shape were found per decade of life.

Conclusions:

  • Non-contrast cardiac CT is a viable tool for comprehensive 3D morphometric assessment of the thoracic aorta.
  • The developed method provides objective quantitative data on age-related thoracic aorta remodeling.
  • This approach enhances the utility of cardiac CT beyond coronary artery evaluation.

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