Dynamic aortic changes during the cardiac cycle in patients with aortic valve disease analyzed by computed tomography combined with PhyZiodynamics software.

Background: Endovascular therapy for the ascending aorta is expected in the future, but the dynamic changes in the ascending aorta are unclear.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate dynamic changes in the aortic cross-sectional area and examine related determinants.

Methods: The subjects included 75 patients (aortic regurgitation [AR] in 18 patients, aortic stenosis [AS] in 46 patients, and 11 controls) who underwent dynamic computed tomography (CT) prior to cardiac treatment. According to the centerline method, the cross-sectional areas of the ascending and descending aortas at the same level were analyzed. The rate of change from the minimum value to the maximum value in one heartbeat and peak rate of change in cross-sectional area (peak area change) were measured.

Results: The rates of change of the ascending and descending aortas were 4.4% and 6.4% (P < 0.05) and the peak area change was 0.3 mm²/msec vs. 0.2 mm²/msec (P < 0.05), respectively. In both the ascending and descending aortas, the rate of change and the peak area change were significantly greater in the AR group than in the AS and control groups. Results of the multiple regression analysis showed that greater stroke volumes (SVs) were associated with greater change in the ascending aorta and a faster momentary expansion rate. Furthermore, it was observed that the momentary expansion rate declined with age.

Conclusion: The ascending aortic diameter changes significantly in one heartbeat and differs depending on AR, age, and SV.

Trial registration number: 17 - 006.

Date of registration: May 29, 2017 Retrospectively registered.