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

Abstract

To investigate the association between Aorta (Ao), pulmonary artery (PA) diameters and the PA/Ao ratio with right (RV) and left ventricle (LV) volumetric properties in subjects free of cardiovascular diseases. In the KORA-MRI study, 339 subjects (mean age 56.3 ± 9.1 years; 43.7% female) underwent whole-body 3T-MRI. Ao and PA were measured on DIXON sequences. Cvi42 quantified cardiac functional parameters from a SSFP sequence. The relationship between ascending (AAo), and descending aorta (DAo), as well as PA diameters, and RV and LV function were assessed using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. AAo and DAo diameter were associated with LV end-diastolic volume (β = 4.52, p = 0.015; ß = 7.1, p ≤ 0.001), LV end-systolic volume (β = 2.37, p = 0.031; ß = 3.66, p = 0.002), while DAo associated with RV end-diastolic volume (β = 6.45, p = 0.006) and RV end-systolic volume (β = 3.9, p = 0.011). PA diameter was associated with LV end-diastolic volume (β = 4.81, p = 0.003). Interestingly, the PA/Ao ratio was only associated with RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume (β = 4.48, p = 0.029; ß = 2.82, p = 0.037). Furthermore, we found different relationships between men and women. Ao and PA diameter were associated with LV and RV volumetric parameters in subjects free of cardiovascular diseases suggesting that ventricular volumetric performance directly relates to vascular diameter properties.

Aortic root diameter, main pulmonary artery diameter/aortic root diameter and pericardial fat volume as predictors of occlusive coronary artery disease

“…Occlusive CAD (>50% stenosis) is more likely associated with myocardial ischemia and adverse cardiac outcome. Thus, early recognition of occlusive CAD by simple and non-invasive imaging markers is essential for better risk stratification [1,2].…”

“…Anatomical and physiological changes in the proximal segments of large arteries, including aortic root and main pulmonary artery, may affect cardiac physiology and performance [2,5]. Progressive changes in aortic root diameter (ARD) and main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAd) may occur even before cardiac dysfunction, suggesting a possible link between changes in proximal segments of these large arteries and several cardiac diseases [5].…”

“…ARD, MPAd, and MPAd/ARD ratio, which were previously reported to be clinically relevant to cardiopulmonary disease and prognosis, are simple, reproducible, and easily measured by non-invasive imaging modalities such as computed tomography of the heart or chest without the need for sophisticated software or advanced expertise [6][7][8]. The clinical significance of these parameters has been studied in patients with pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, heart failure, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [2,6,7]. However, little information is available concerning the association of these parameters with CAD, and their predictive significance remains largely unknown.…”

Cardiac Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcomes

“…There are numerous ways to prevent CVDs, some of them being unique for particular countries and backgrounds. An interesting insight into morphology and function (i.e., diameters and volumetric properties) of large arteries and the heart was provided by the investigators from the KORA-MRI project, who studied 339 subjects free from CVDs with whole-body 3T-MRI scan [ 1 ]. The authors concluded that ventricular volumetric performance directly relates to vascular diameter properties [ 1 ].…”

“…An interesting insight into morphology and function (i.e., diameters and volumetric properties) of large arteries and the heart was provided by the investigators from the KORA-MRI project, who studied 339 subjects free from CVDs with whole-body 3T-MRI scan [ 1 ]. The authors concluded that ventricular volumetric performance directly relates to vascular diameter properties [ 1 ]. Arterial hypertension, being a separate disease itself, is also one of the most important risk factors for other CVDs, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure or stroke.…”