An interesting finding: What is the relation between aortic enlargement and COVID-19?

Abstract

Background We aim to compare the diameters of ascending aorta in COVID-19 patients and COVID–19-free individuals referred to our pandemic hospital. Methods The medical records and thorax tomographies of patients admitted to the “pandemic central” state hospital with symptoms of COVID-19 were observed between April 2020 and May 2020 in this case-control study. The first group consisted of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and the second group consisted of patients without the disease. The diameter of the ascending aorta is measured via tomography and compared to each other. The most causative risk factors for aortic enlargements underwent a multivariate regression analysis. Results Charts of 156 patients (104 COVID-19 positives, 52 COVID-19 negatives) were reviewed. There was a statistical difference ( p: .01) between the mean aortic diameter of COVID-19 patients (39 mm) and COVID-free patients (32.5 mm) even though comorbid factors and patient characteristics were similar in the two groups at the time of hospital admission. The regression analysis result demonstrates that COVID-19 (leading factor), age, and coronary artery disease were the most significant factors associated with increasing aortic dimensions. ( p: .001, B: 5.3/, p: .02, B: 3.36/, p: .002, B: 0.13/, R square: 40.2%). Conclusion This study shows that the mean aortic diameter of COVID-19 patients is larger than non–COVID-19 patients with similar comorbidities referred to a pandemic hospital. COVID-19, age, and coronary artery disease are the most influential factors that affect the aortic diameter, and the COVID-19 was the leading factor.

Effect of Hereditary Thrombophilia on the Clinical Severity of Covid-19 Pneumonia

“…Comparison of comorbidities based on the places of follow-up did not reveal any signi cant differences in terms of HT, DM, and heart disease. A study conducted with COVID-19 patients in Türkiye also reported hypertension (34.6%) as the most observed comorbidity, followed by diabetes mellitus (28.8%) and heart disease (13.5%), which is consistent with our study results (12).…”

Letter regarding the Published Article “Evaluation of Aortic Elasticity Parameters in Survivors of COVID-19 Using Echocardiography Imaging”

“…We agree that CO-VID-19 may produce vascular abnormalities and that aortic elasticity may change as a result of COVID-19. Aortic enlargement and COVID-19 were also described in a recent publication [2]. However, in the context of the current report, there is a lack of data on the pre-CO-VID-19 vascular/health state of the subjects, making a final conclusion impossible.…”

“…In the paper “Evaluation of Aortic Elasticity Parameters in Survivors of COVID-19 Using Echocardiography Imaging,” Küçük et al [ 1 ] mentioned that “ SARS-CoV-2 may cause reduced or impaired aortic elasticity parameters linked to impaired arterial wall function in COVID-19 survivors compared with controls .” We agree that COVID-19 may produce vascular abnormalities and that aortic elasticity may change as a result of COVID-19. Aortic enlargement and COVID-19 were also described in a recent publication [ 2 ]. However, in the context of the current report, there is a lack of data on the pre-CO­VID-19 vascular/health state of the subjects, making a final conclusion impossible.…”

Correspondence on “aortic enlargement and COVID-19”

“…Bitargil et al mentioned that "the mean aortic diameter of COVID-19 patients is larger than non-COVID-19 patients with similar comorbidities referred to a pandemic …… COVID-19 was the leading factor. 1 " We agree that COVID-19 might have some clinical effects on vascular system. If COVID-19 results in enlargement of aorta, the pathological process should be acute process that the change can be detected in a short period of infection.…”

“…Dear Editor, we would like to share ideas on the publication “An interesting finding: What is the relation between aortic enlargement and COVID-19? 1 ” In the present study, medical records and thorax tomographies of patients were analyzed. Bitargil et al mentioned that “ the mean aortic diameter of COVID-19 patients is larger than non–COVID-19 patients with similar comorbidities referred to a pandemic …… COVID-19 was the leading factor.…”