OBJECTIVE: Prolonged scanning of time-resolved 3D phase-contrast MRI (4D flow MRI) limits its routine use in clinical practice. An echo-planar imaging (EPI)-based sequence and compressed sensing can reduce the scan duration. We aimed to determine the impact of EPI for 4D flow MRI on the scan duration, image quality, and quantitative flow metrics.
METHODS: This was a prospective study of 15 healthy volunteers (all male, mean age 33 ± 5 years). Conventional sensitivity encoding (SENSE), EPI with SENSE (EPI), and compressed SENSE (CS) (reduction factors: 6 and 12, respectively) were scanned.Scan duration, qualitative indexes of image quality, and quantitative flow parameters of net flow volume, maximum flow velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), and energy loss (EL) in the ascending aorta were assessed. Two-dimensional phase-contrast cine MRI (2D-PC) was considered the gold standard of net flow volume and maximum flow velocity.
RESULTS: Compared to SENSE, EPI and CS12 shortened scan durations by 71% and 73% (EPI, 4 min 39 sec; CS6, 7 min 29 sec; CS12, 4 min 14 sec; and SENSE, 15 min 51 sec). Visual image quality was significantly better for EPI than for SENSE and CS (P < 0.001). The net flow volumes obtained with SENSE, EPI, and CS12 and those obtained with 2D-PC were correlated well (r = 0.950, 0.871, and 0.850, respectively). However, the maximum velocity obtained with EPI was significantly underestimated (P < 0.010). The average WSS was significantly higher with EPI than with SENSE, CS6, and CS12 (P < 0.001, P = 0.040, and P = 0.012, respectively). The EL was significantly lower with EPI than with CS6 and CS12 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.007, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: EPI reduced the scan duration, improved visual image quality, and was associated with more accurate net flow volume than CS. However, the flow velocity, WSS, and EL values obtained with EPI and other sequences may not be directly comparable.

UNASSIGNED: In many studies on aortic disease, women are underrepresented. The present study aims to assess sex-specific morphometric differences and gain more insight into endovascular treatment of the ascending aorta (AA) and arch.
UNASSIGNED: Electrocardiogram-gated cardiac computed tomography scans of 116 consecutive patients who were evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve replacement were retrospectively reviewed. Measurements of the AA and aortic arch were made in multiplanar views, perpendicular to the semi-automatic centerline. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors affecting AA and aortic arch diameter in men and women. Propensity score matching was used to investigate whether sex influences aortic morphology.
UNASSIGNED: In both sexes, body surface area (BSA) was identified as a positive predictor and diabetes as a negative predictor for aortic diameters. In men, age was identified as a positive predictor and smoking as a negative predictor for aortic diameters. Propensity score matching identified 40 pairs. Systolic and diastolic mean diameters and AA length were significantly wider in men. On average, male aortas were 7.4% wider than female aortas, both in systole and diastole.
UNASSIGNED: The present analysis demonstrates that, in women, increased BSA is associated with increased aortic arch diameters, while diabetes is associated with decreased AA and arch diameters. In men, increased BSA and age are associated with increased AA and arch diameters, while smoking and diabetes are associated with decreased AA and arch diameters. Men were confirmed to have 7.4% greater AA and arch diameters than women.
CONCLUSIONS: Men had 7.4% greater ascending aorta and arch diameters than women in a retrospective cohort, gated computed tomography-based study of 116 patients. Sex-specific differences in ascending aortic and arch size should be considered by aortic endovascular device manufacturers and physicians when developing ascending and arch endografts and planning aortic interventions.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether thoracic aortic volume (TAV) is useful for cardiovascular (CV) disease prognosis and risk assessment.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated cross-sectional associations of TAV with CV risk factors, and longitudinal association with incident CV events in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis.
METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of prospective data.
METHODS: 1182 participants (69 ± 9 years, 54% female, 37% Caucasian, 18% Chinese, 31% African American, 14% Hispanic, 60% hypertensive, and 20% diabetic) without prior CV disease.
UNASSIGNED: Axial black-blood turbo spin echo or bright blood steady-state free precession images on 1.5T scanners.
RESULTS: TAV was calculated using Simpson\'s method from axial images, and included the ascending arch and descending segments. Traditional CV risk factors were assessed at the time of MRI. CV outcomes over a 9-year follow-up period were recorded and represented a composite of stroke, stroke death, coronary heart disease (CHD), CHD death, atherosclerotic death, and CVD death.
METHODS: Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for height and weight were used to determine the relationship (β coefficient) between TAV and CV risk factors. Cox regression models assessed the association of TAV and incident CV events. A P-value of <0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
RESULTS: Mean TAV was = 139 ± 41 mL. In multivariable regression, TAV was directly associated with age (β = 1.6), male gender (β = 23.9), systolic blood pressure (β = 0.1), and hypertension medication use (β = 7.9); and inversely associated with lipid medication use (β = -5.3) and treated diabetes (β = -8.9). Compared to Caucasians, Chinese Americans had higher TAV (β = 11.4), while African Americans had lower TAV (β = -7.0). Higher TAV was independently associated with incident CV events (HR: 1.057 per 10 mL).
CONCLUSIONS: Greater TAV is associated with incident CV events, increased age, and hypertension in a large multiethnic population while treated diabetes and lipid medication use were associated with lower TAV.
METHODS: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

UNASSIGNED: Thoracic ascending aortic (TAA) aneurysms are an important cause of disability and death and require early detection for effective management. Currently, there is a paucity of data from Africa pertaining to TAA aneurysms. This study describes the spectrum of TAA aneurysms at a peri-urban tertiary hospital.
UNASSIGNED: A descriptive retrospective study based on clinical and echocardiographic imaging data of patients with TAA aneurysms from October 2017-October 2022. Advanced strain imaging was performed to measure left ventricular (LV) basal, apical, and global longitudinal strain as well as circumferential strain (CS) of the ascending aorta as a proxy measurement of aortic compliance.
UNASSIGNED: The study comprised 139 cases of TAA aneurysms (52.5% females) with a mean age of 50 ± 14.8 years with 45 age and gender matched controls. Most cases (95%) were of African ethnicity. The main etiologies were hypertension (41.7%), HIV (36.6%), connective tissue disease (10.7%), congenital (2.2%) and mixed pathologies (8.6%). Two-thirds of patients (69.7%) presented in heart failure, 10% presented with aortic dissection. Thirty percent of the patients were classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, 59.7% NYHA II, 8.6% NYHA III and two patients NYHA class IV. Echocardiography revealed enlarged aortic dimensions compared to controls (P < 0.001). TAA aneurysms were complicated by severe aortic regurgitation (AR) in half (50.3%) of patients, moderate AR in 25.8%, and mild AR in 14.3%. The mean LV ejection fraction (46.9 ± 12.7%) was reduced compared to controls (P < 0.001). Aortic CS was reduced compared to controls [4.4 (3.2-6.2) % vs. 9.0 (7.1-13.4) %, P < 0.001]. Aortic stiffness was higher in the aortic aneurysm group compared to controls (15.39 ± 20.65 vs. 5.04 ± 2.09, P = 0.001). LV longitudinal strain (-13.9 ± 3.9% vs. 18.1 ± 6.7%), basal CS (-13.9 ± 5.6% vs. -17.9 ± 5.8%) and apical CS (-8.7 ± 8.5% vs. -30.6 ± 3.8%) were reduced compared to controls (P < 0.001). Most patients were on diuretic and anti-remodeling therapy. Surgery was performed in 29.4% and overall mortality was 7.9%. Mortality for acute aortic dissection was 40%.
UNASSIGNED: TAA aneurysms associated with hypertension and HIV are common in this predominantly African female population and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Two-dimensional echocardiography and advanced strain imaging are potential tools for detecting and risk stratifying TAA aneurysms.

The most common reason for ascending aorta resection is an aneurysm or dissection. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which an aneurysm is a crucial risk factor. The essential criteria for aneurysm resection include the diameter, genetic predisposition, and aortic valve disease. This study aimed to compare the histological findings in aneurysms and dissections and correlate them with clinical parameters to determine whether histopathological findings correspond with the current clinical approach. A total of 160 ascending aorta surgical specimens, separate or with an aortic valve, were collected and divided into four groups: aneurysm-tricuspid (n = 40; median 67 y), aneurysm-malformed (n = 68; median 50 y), dissection-tricuspid (n = 48; median 65.5 y), and dissection-malformed (n = 4; median 52.5 y). Male preponderance was observed in all groups; the youngest patients were in the aneurysm-malformed group. None of the specimens showed normal aortic histology. The most common finding in the aortic samples was medial degeneration, which was the most severe and most common in dissection. The mildest findings were found in the aneurysm-malformed group. Atherosclerosis was predominant and most severe in the aneurysm-tricuspid group, while only mild in both dissection groups, suggesting its protective effect against this complication. Chronic aortitis was the least common pathology, found only in the aneurysm-tricuspid group. The aortic valve was resected and examined simultaneously with the ascending aorta in 76 cases, most commonly in the aneurysm-malformed group (n = 53). Myxoid degeneration was the major finding in the tricuspid aortic valves, with calcifications in the malformed. Comparing the histopathological results with the clinical aspects, aneurysms with a malformed aortic valve seem to be managed appropriately, with the findings not reaching the severity as in patients with a tricuspid valve. In contrast, in patients with a tricuspid valve, there were more dissections than aneurysms, with a significant subset of aneurysms showing histological findings almost identical to those of dissections. Supported by histological findings, patients with a diseased ascending aorta and tricuspid aortic valve represent an underdiagnosed risk group that would benefit from earlier diagnosis and intervention to prevent dissection. There is a need to find a marker for dissection risk other than the aortic diameter.

UNASSIGNED: In this study we aimed to understand the role of interaction of the Medtronic Evolut R transcatheter aortic valve with the ascending aorta (AA) by evaluating the performance of the valve and the pressure recovery in different AA diameters with the same aortic annulus size.
UNASSIGNED: A 26-mm Medtronic Evolut R valve was tested using a left heart simulator in aortic root models of different AA diameter (D): small (D = 23 mm), medium (D = 28 mm), and large (D = 34 mm) under physiological conditions. Measurements of pressure from upstream to downstream of the valve were performed using a catheter at small intervals to comprehensively assess pressure gradient and pressure recovery.
UNASSIGNED: In the small AA, the measured peak and mean pressure gradient at vena contracta were 11.5 ± 0.5 mm Hg and 7.8 ± 0.4 mm Hg, respectively, which was higher (P < .01) compared with the medium (8.1 ± 0.4 mm Hg and 5.2 ± 0.4 mm Hg) and large AAs (7.4 ± 1.0 mm Hg and 5.4 ± 0.6 mm Hg). The net pressure gradient was lower for the case with the medium AA (4.1 ± 1.2 mm Hg) compared with the small AA (4.7 ± 0.8 mm Hg) and large AA (6.1 ± 1.4 mm Hg; P < .01).
UNASSIGNED: We have shown that small and large AAs can increase net pressure gradient, because of the direct interaction of the Medtronic Evolut R stent with the AA (in small AA) and introducing higher level of turbulence (in large AA). AA size might need to be considered in the selection of an appropriate device for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: Complex aortic anatomy needs careful preoperative planning in which a patient-tailored approach with novel immersive techniques could serve as a valuable addition to current preoperative imaging. This pilot study aimed to investigate the technical feasibility of virtual reality (VR) as an additional imaging tool for preoperative planning in ascending aortic surgery. Methods: Ten cardiothoracic surgeons were presented with six patients who had each undergone a recent repair of the ascending aorta. Two-dimensional computed tomography images of each patient were assessed prior to the VR session. After three-dimensional (3D) VR rendering and 3D segmentation of the ascending aorta and aortic arch, the reconstructions were analyzed by each surgeon in VR via a head-mounted display. Each cardiothoracic surgeon completed a questionnaire after each planning procedure. The results of their assessments were compared to the performed operations. The primary endpoint of the present study was a change of surgical approach from open to clamped distal anastomosis, and vice versa. Results: Compared with conventional imaging, 80% of surgeons found that VR prepared them better for surgery. In 33% of cases (two out of six), the preoperative decision was adjusted due to the 3D VR-based evaluation of the anatomy. Surgeons rated CardioVR usefulness, user-friendliness, and satisfaction with median scores of 3.8 (IQR: 3.5-4.1), 4.2 (IQR: 3.8-4.6,) and 4.1 (IQR: 3.8-4.7) on a five-point Likert scale, respectively. Conclusions: Three-dimensional VR imaging was associated with improved anatomical understanding among surgeons and could be helpful in the future preoperative planning of ascending aortic surgery.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of ascending aortic dissection in detail. Materials and Methods: The ascending aorta was morphologically assessed in a consecutive series of patients between January 2009 and October 2014. A new assessment and evaluation method was used to describe 114 patients with ascending aortic dissection. Results: A large difference was found in the degree of curvature between the ascending aorta with and without dissection. The shape of the former was straighter and steeper (control group R, 47.46 ± 6.40 mm; experimental group R, 59.70 ± 10.27 mm, P < 0.001). In the case of aortic dissection involving the valves, the proximal edge of the first entry was obviously close to the aortic sinus. The orientation of the entries was mainly around the 10 o\'clock and 1-2 o\'clock positions, and most of their shapes were fusiform (111; 70.02%). The distance of the distal extending dissection was associated with cases involving the branch arteries (involving three branches 441.40 ± 101.13 mm vs 159.85 ± 131.86 mm in others, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The morphological features of the ascending aorta after dissection and the correlations among dissections, entries, and related factors were found.

BACKGROUND: Primary and secondary aortopathy are frequently encountered in patients with congenital heart disease. The aim of this study is to present our experience and the incidence of primary and secondary adult CHD-associated aortopathy.
METHODS: The cohort is comprised of adult patients with congenital heart disease from the registry of the Eastern Slovakia Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Data from the last follow-up examinations are included in this study. In the primary and secondary aortopathy groups were 35 and 12 patients respectively. As a control group were selected 64 patients with non aortopathy associated congenital heart disease (atrial and ventricular septal defect).
RESULTS: Patients with primary and secondary aortopathy had larger ascending aorta/aortic root diameters than the control group (36.28 (26-49) mm vs 30.25 (21-41) mm p = 0.000113, 33.82 27-49) mm vs 29.03 (19-38)mm p = 0.000366 and 42.1 (30-50) mm vs 30.25 (21-41) mm, p = 0.000106, 35.67 (27-48) mm vs 29.03 (19-38) mm, p = 0.000119 respectively). Moreover, patients with secondary aortopathy had statistically significant larger ascending aorta diameter compared to the patients with primary aortopathy (42.1 (30-50) mm vs 36.28 (26-49) mm p = 0.030). During the follow-up period, were performed only in 2 patients (one from each group) operations on the aortic root and the ascending aorta due to aortic root or ascending aorta dilatation.
CONCLUSIONS: More patients with secondary aortopathy had dilated ascending aorta/ aortic root, as well as larger aortic diameters compare to the patients with primary aortopathy. Routine follow-up of these patients with attention to aortic diameter is necessary.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of epiaortic ultrasound in contemporary cardiac surgery, as well as its impact on surgical cannulation strategy and cerebrovascular events.
METHODS: Epiaortic ultrasound data was prospectively collected in the Randomized Endovein Graft Prospective (REGROUP) trial (VA Cooperative Studies Program #588, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01850082), which randomized 1,150 coronary artery bypass graft patients between 2014 and 2017 to endoscopic or open-vein graft harvest.
METHODS: Sixteen cardiac surgery programs within the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System with expertise at performing endoscopic vein-graft harvesting.
METHODS: Veterans Affairs patients, greater than 18 years of age, undergoing elective or urgent coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest with at least one planned saphenous vein graft were eligible for enrollment.
METHODS: Epiaortic ultrasound was performed by the surgeon using a high frequency (>7 MHz) ultrasound transducer. Two-dimensional images of the ascending aorta in multiple planes were acquired before aortic cannulation and cross-clamping.
RESULTS: Epiaortic ultrasound was performed in 34.1% (269 of 790) of patients in REGROUP. Among these patients, simple intraluminal atheroma was observed in 21.9% (59 269), and complex intraluminal atheroma comprised 2.2% (6 of 269). The aortic cannulation or cross-clamp strategy was modified based on these findings in 7.1% of cases (19 of 269). There was no difference in stroke between patients who underwent epiaortic ultrasound and those who did not (1.9% v 1.2% p = 0.523).
CONCLUSIONS: Despite current guidelines recommending routine use of epiaortic ultrasound (IIa/B) to reduce the risk of stroke in cardiac surgery, in this contemporary trial, use remains infrequent, with significant site-to-site variability.