Normal diameter of the thoracic aorta in adults: a magnetic resonance imaging study

Abstract

To determine the evolution of the diameter of the thoracic aorta with age in order to detect dilatation more reliably by imaging, we performed a retrospective analysis of the MRI examinations of the normal thoracic aorta of 66 subjects aged 44.1+/-19.1 years (range 19.1-82.4 years) obtained between 1991 and 2000 on a Magnetom SP 42 1T apparatus (Siemens) using T1-weighted spin echo sequences with electrocardiographic synchronization. Sixteen measurements were made in the axial plane, the oblique sagittal plane in the axis of the aortic arch, and the oblique frontal plane perpendicular to the latter at the level of the ascending aorta, the arch and the descending thoracic aorta. We found an increase in the thoracic aorta diameter and a significant relationship between this diameter and the age of our subjects, wherever the measure was performed. However, there was no systematic correlation between aortic diameter and age. The aortic diameter evolved with age and a marked difference seemed to exist in measurements made in groups younger and older than 40 years. This study, conducted on a small population of 66 patients, thus helps to define a normal aortic diameter, thereby making the diagnosis of pathological dilatation of the aorta more reliable.

Thoracic and abdominal aortic diameters in a general population: MRI-based reference values and association with age and cardiovascular risk factors

“…Our results suggest that the median aortic diameter decreases from ascending to infrarenal aorta for women and men and that the median diameters of all aortic segments are lower in women than men, supporting the findings of earlier studies [5,6,8,14,21]. However, most studies used CT [5,6,8], analysed only the thoracic aorta [5,8,15] or investigated a small or highly selected study sample [14,15]. In contrast, our study assessed the whole aorta using MRI in a large unselected population.…”

“…Cross-sectional imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows visualization of the entire aorta and reliable measurement of diameters at different levels [11,12]. However, studies analysing aortic diameter by MRI are sparse and have some limitations such as small number of subjects, highly selected study populations or incomplete imaging of the aorta [13][14][15].…”

Multimodality Imaging of Diseases of the Thoracic Aorta in Adults: From the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging

“…Normal values and proximal aortic diameters have been reported using different imaging techniques, from the pioneer studies based on M-mode and 2D echocardiography 9,10 to more recent studies obtained using CT 7,8,20,[23][24][25] and MRI. 5,26 Despite differences in image acquisition methods, temporal and spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratios, CT, MRI, TTE, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) have evolved as near equal standards for assessing aortic root size. Each of these modalities has advantages and disadvantages, which have been discussed.…”

New devices and technology in interventional cardiology

“…Once the stent is in position, the sheath is withdrawn to unsheath the stent before deployment. Many stents are available for younger children, but as patients grow, the stents will need to be expanded to a larger diameter of around 20-30 mm [25]. The Palmaz XL is a laser-cut closed-cell stainless steel stent with high radial strength.…”

“…The Palmaz Genesis stent is similarly a stainless steel closed-cell stent with curved segments allowing for improved conformability. This stent is available in lengths of 19,25,29,39, and 59 mm. As this stent is limited at full expansion to 19 mm, it is not optimal for patients who are expected to grow to a normal sized aorta.…”