Aortic enlargement in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) COPD study

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm is high in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population. Emphysema involves proteolytic destruction of elastic fibers. Therefore, emphysema may also contribute to thoracic aorta dilatation. This study assessed aorta dilation in smokers stratified by presence of COPD, emphysema and airway thickening. Methods: Aorta diameters were measured on 3D magnetic resonance angiography in smokers recruited from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), the Emphysema and Cancer Action Project (EMCAP), and the local community. COPD was defined by standard spirometric criteria; emphysema was measured quantitatively on computed tomography and bronchitis was determined from medical history. Results: Participants (n = 315, age 58-79) included 150 with COPD and 165 without COPD, of whom 56% and 19%, respectively, had emphysema. Subjects in the most severe quartile of emphysematous change showed the largest diameter at all four aorta locations compared to those in the least severe quartiles (all p < 0.001). Comparing subjects with and without COPD, aorta diameters were larger in participants with severe COPD in ascending and arch (both p < 0.001), and abdominal aorta (p = 0.001). Chronic bronchitis and bronchial wall thickness did not correlate with aorta diameter. In subjects with emphysema, subjects with coexistence of COPD showed larger aorta than those without COPD in ascending (p = 0.003), arch (p = 0.002), and abdominal aorta (p = 0.04). Conclusions: This study showed larger aorta diameter in subjects with COPD and severe emphysema compared to COPD related to chronic bronchitis or bronchial wall thickening.

The predictive value of C-reactive protein to albümin ratio for ascending aort progression in patients with ascending aortic diameter of 40–50 mm

“…In presented study, group I had elevated WBC count and NLR compared with group II. There was a relationship of COPD and HT to ascending aortic dilatation in previous studies, [ 40 , 41 ] as found in our study.…”

Association between Large Arteries Diameter and Heart Function in Subjects Free of Cardiovascular Diseases

“…Several risk factors influence the vascular system, affecting various conditions [ 24 ]. The previous population-based MESA study assessed many risk factors contributing to aortic diameter associated with hypertension and diabetes [ 25 ]. Another MESA study evaluated the effect of aorta dilation in smokers by the presence of COPD, emphysema, and airway thickening.…”

“…Another MESA study evaluated the effect of aorta dilation in smokers by the presence of COPD, emphysema, and airway thickening. A larger aorta diameter in people with COPD and severe emphysema than COPD linked to chronic bronchitis or bronchial wall thickening was identified [ 25 ]. Also, emphysema is related to increasing aortic diameters and aortic aneurysms [ 26 ].…”

Individualized prediction of risk of ascending aortic syndromes

“…Aortic dimensions might differ in pulmonary cancer patients compared to healthy controls. Recently, an association between increasing severity of COPD and emphysema to thoracic aortic ectasia, has been reported [ 39 ]. However, the mean tubular ascending aortic diameter in the control group was similar to the reported 30–34 mm diameter in healthy subjects [ 40 , 41 ].…”