Study of ascending aortic elasticity in the Chinese population with a high risk of aortic diseases.

PURPOSE To analyze aortic elastic properties (AEP) characteristics, dissection and elastic data of ascending aorta (AA) in the population with a high risk of aortic diseases. METHODS Forty five patients with artery diseases undergoing aortic digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were enrolled in this study. The maximal, minimal diameter and changes in diameter of ascending and descending aorta were measured, and the aortic stiffness index (ASI) and aortic distensibility (AD) were calculated. RESULTS The mean changes in diameter were (2.34 ± 0.95), (1.6 ± 0.71), (1.65 ± 0.68) and (0.99 ± 0.28) mm. The ASI of D1-D4 aorta was (9.67 ± 5.02), (15.54 ± 7.85), (13.78 ± 6.45) and (15.53 ± 4.74). AD (mmHg(-1)) × 10(-3) of D1-D4 aorta was (2.76 ± 1.65), (1.76 ± 1.15), (1.94 ± 1.23) and (1.33 ± 0.40). The ratio of diameter difference/minimal diameter was (7.18 ± 3.21), (4.6 ± 2.3), (4.96 ± 2.22) and (3.86 ± 1.16). The tapered angle of D2-D3 aorta was (2.47 ± 1.80)°. The maximal and minimal diameters of D1 aorta significantly differed between male and female subjects. CONCLUSION DSA and artery pressure accurately measure the changes in diameter and artery pressure of aorta along with single beat. Aortic ASI and AD could be accurately calculated to precisely analyze AEP. Over aging and arteriosclerosis development, D2 aorta is the most vulnerable to elasticity attenuation, whereas D1 aorta is the least vulnerable part with certain elasticity.