Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
07:12

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

5.2K

How does the ascending aorta geometry change when it dissects?

Bartosz Rylski1, Philipp Blanke2, Friedhelm Beyersdorf3

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Centre Freiburg University, Freiburg, Germany.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|February 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Aortic dissection significantly increases thoracic aorta diameter, particularly in the ascending aorta. These geometry changes are similar for both spontaneous and retrograde dissection types.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Medical Imaging
  • Thoracic Aortic Disease

Background:

  • Ascending aortic diameter is a key factor in surgical replacement decisions to prevent aortic dissection.
  • Current recommendations rely on clinical experience and observations of previously dissected aortas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate changes in aortic geometry and diameter resulting from aortic dissection.
  • To compare aortic dimensions before and after the onset of dissection.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of acute aortic dissection type A databases from six tertiary centers across two continents.
  • Inclusion of non-Marfan patients with non-bicuspid aortic valves who had computed tomography angiography within two years prior to and within 12 hours after dissection onset.
  • Comparison of aortic geometry before and after dissection onset in 63 selected patients.

Main Results:

  • Aortic dissection caused significant increases in the diameter and volume of the thoracic aorta.
  • The ascending aorta showed the most pronounced changes: diameter increased by 12.8 mm (p < 0.001) and volume by 47 cm³ (p < 0.001).
  • Aortic arch diameter increased by 6.6 mm (p < 0.001) and descending thoracic aorta diameter by 3.7 mm (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Aortic dissection alters thoracic aorta geometry, leading to a notable increase in diameter, especially in the ascending aorta.
  • Both spontaneous and retrograde dissection etiologies result in comparable changes in aortic geometry.
  • Findings provide crucial data for understanding aortic dissection's impact on aortic dimensions.
Abstract

Keywords:
aortacomputed tomographydissectionsurgery

More Related Videos

Isolation and Excision of Murine Aorta; A Versatile Technique in the Study of Cardiovascular Disease07:25

Isolation and Excision of Murine Aorta; A Versatile Technique in the Study of Cardiovascular Disease

Published on: November 24, 2014

32.6K
Author Spotlight: Enhanced Murine AAA Model Using Elastase to Mimic Human Aneurysms07:42

Author Spotlight: Enhanced Murine AAA Model Using Elastase to Mimic Human Aneurysms

Published on: July 26, 2024

2.7K

Related Concept Videos

The Aorta01:14

The Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries. Structurally, it can be divided into four main parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
4.2K
Abdominal Aorta01:25

Abdominal Aorta

Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
3.5K
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
2.5K
The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
2.2K
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
1.2K
Design Example: Traverse Angle Computations01:25

Design Example: Traverse Angle Computations

Traverse angle computations are a critical component of surveying, used to compute the internal angles within a closed traverse. A traverse consists of a series of connected lines forming a closed loop, often used for land boundary delineation or mapping. Calculating the internal angles ensures accuracy in the traverse geometry and is essential for checking survey data integrity.The process begins with known azimuths and bearings of the traverse sides. Internal angles at each vertex are...
453