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Related Concept Videos

The Aorta01:14

The Aorta

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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.
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Fetal Circulation01:14

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Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
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Abdominal Aorta01:25

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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.
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Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

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An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
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Development of the Heart01:27

Development of the Heart

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The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
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Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

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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,...
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A Pipeline to Characterize Structural Heart Defects in the Fetal Mouse
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Dilated ascending aorta in the fetus.

Ioana Dumitrascu-Biris1,2, Vita Zidere1,2, Trisha Vigneswaran1,2

  • 1Fetal Cardiology Unit, Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Evelina London Children's Healthcare, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Prenatal Diagnosis
|July 2, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Prenatal diagnosis of a dilated ascending aorta is rare, occurring in 0.06% of fetuses. This condition is often linked to bicuspid aortic valve and requires postnatal monitoring for aortic dilation.

Keywords:
aortic annulusbicuspid aortic valvecongenital heart diseasedilated ascending aortafetus

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Area of Science:

  • Fetal Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Prenatal diagnosis of a dilated ascending aorta is exceptionally rare.
  • Significant challenges exist in providing genetic counseling for affected patients.
  • Understanding prevalence, associations, and outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of prenatal dilated ascending aorta.
  • To identify associated conditions, including cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities.
  • To describe the postnatal outcomes and long-term surveillance needs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study conducted in two tertiary fetal cardiology centers.
  • Definition of dilated ascending aorta: gestation-specific standard deviation > 1.96.
  • Inclusion of infants with prenatal diagnosis for postnatal echocardiography and follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal dilated ascending aorta identified in 0.06% of cases.
  • Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) confirmed in 83% of suspected cases.
  • Ascending aortic dilatation persisted postnatally in 43% of infants.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal dilated ascending aorta is rare, associated with BAV (37%) and extracardiac abnormalities (15.7%).
  • No cases of connective tissue disease were diagnosed postnatally.
  • While outcomes appear good without extracardiac issues, postnatal surveillance is essential.