Ascending aorta diameters measured by echocardiography using both leading edge-to-leading edge and inner edge-to-inner edge conventions in healthy volunteers.

AIMS

Reference ranges of ascending aorta diameters (AAoD) for two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) using inner edge (IE) convention are lacking, preventing the comparison of AAoD measurements by 2DE with those obtained by other imaging modalities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used harmonic imaging 2DE to prospectively study 218 healthy volunteers (56% women, 42 ± 15 years, 18-80 years). Measurements were performed at the level of aortic root (AoR), sinotubular junction (STJ), and proximal tubular portion (TAo, 1 cm from the STJ) using both leading edge (LE) and IE conventions at end-diastole and end-systole. Feasibility of AAoD measurements between end-diastole and end-systole was similar at AoR and STJ levels, but it was significantly different at TAo level (82 vs. 96%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Ascending aorta diameters indexed to height were larger in men than in women (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for the effect of gender, only age and body surface area (BSA) were independent predictors of AAoD at multivariable analysis. Average end-diastolic AoR, STJ, and TAo diameters measured using IE convention were similar between genders (17 ± 2, 15 ± 2, and 15 ± 2 mm/m(2), respectively). Corresponding AAoD measured using the LE convention were 18 ± 2, 16 ± 2, and 17 ± 4 mm/m(2), respectively. On average, the end-systolic AAoD measured using LE were 2 mm larger than those performed using IE or at end-diastole. Mean aortic wall thickness was 2.4 ± 0.8 mm.

CONCLUSION

End-diastolic AAoD measured using IE were significantly smaller than those obtained either using LE convention or at end-systole. Gender-specific reference values for AAoD indexed for BSA should be used to identify ascending aorta pathology.