Evaluation of aortic distensibility in patients with coronary artery disease by use of cine magnetic resonance.

To evaluate the aortic wall sclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), the authors measured the aortic distensibility (AD) at the ascending and descending aorta by using cine magnetic resonance (MR). Cine MR was performed in 15 patients with CAD and 15 normal controls (NCs). Patients with CAD had angiographically significant coronary arterial stenosis and almost normal left ventricular function. Age and sex were matched in the patients with CAD and the NCs. Ascending and descending aortic areas of transverse image were measured in the maximum and minimum frames. AD was calculated from the following formula: (max area - min area)/(min area x pulse pressure). Although systolic and diastolic blood pressures showed no significant differences between patients with CAD and NC, AD was significantly lower in patients with CAD than in the NCs in each transverse section (P < 0.05). In conclusion, it is indicated that aortic wall sclerosis is advanced in patients with CAD.