Association between aortic knob width and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Aortic knob width (AKW) on radiography correlates with aortic arch geometry.
• Pulsatile stress impacts aortic dimensions.
• Investigating AKW as a non-invasive marker for aortic pulse pressure (APP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if aortic knob width (AKW) can serve as a surrogate for invasively measured aortic pulse pressure (APP).

Main Methods:

• 252 patients undergoing coronary angiography were analyzed.
• Aortic knob width (AKW) measured from chest radiography.
• Aortic pulse pressure (APP) measured invasively via pigtail catheter.

Main Results:

• Patients with higher APP (≥69 mmHg) had significantly greater AKW (40.6±4.9 mm) compared to those with lower APP (<69 mmHg) (38.1±4.2 mm).
• A positive linear correlation was observed between APP and AKW (r=0.207, P<0.001).
• AKW remained a significant predictor of APP in multivariate analysis, controlling for confounders.

Conclusions:

• Increased aortic knob width (AKW) on chest radiography is an independent predictor of elevated aortic pulse pressure (APP).
• AKW shows potential as a simple, non-invasive surrogate marker for assessing APP in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography.