Smaller coronary artery size in adults born preterm
Gregory P Barton1, Kavita Sharma2, Tarique Hussain2
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Pediatric Research
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Adults born preterm have smaller coronary arteries, particularly males. This finding suggests a potentially higher risk for coronary artery disease and ischemic heart conditions later in life for this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular imaging
- Neonatal medicine
- Adult cardiology
Background:
- Preterm birth is linked to adult morbidity, including heart disease.
- Previous studies noted smaller coronary arteries in preterm children, but not adults.
- This study investigated coronary artery size in adults born preterm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if adults born preterm have reduced coronary artery size.
- To assess the influence of prematurity and sex on coronary artery dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Cardiac MRI at 1.5T was used to assess cardiac structure and function.
- 3D bSSFP coronary magnetic resonance angiography imaged left main, LAD, and RCA.
- Area and diameter of coronary arteries were measured.
Main Results:
- Young adults born preterm showed smaller left main, LAD, and RCA area and diameter.
- A dose-dependent effect of prematurity was observed after adjusting for sex and LV mass.
- Reductions were most pronounced in males born preterm, while females had smaller arteries regardless of birth status.
Conclusions:
- Adults born preterm exhibit smaller coronary artery size compared to term-born adults.
- These reductions are significantly influenced by sex, with males showing the most substantial decreases.
- Smaller coronary arteries may contribute to increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in preterm-born adults, especially males.
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