320排CT冠脉造影检查对冠状动脉斑块成分分析可行性初探

目的:研究320排CT冠脉造影对分析冠状动脉轻度及重度狭窄患者斑块成分的价值。方法:2011年4月-2012年5月间我院1132例(62±12岁,42%女性)冠心病患者行320排CT冠状动脉造影检查,依据美国心脏协会16分段标准,分析每一例患者每一节段血管狭窄程度及斑块性质,CT斑块分型如下:Ⅰ型为钙化斑块,Ⅱ型为钙化为主的混合斑块,Ⅲ型为非钙化为主的混合斑块,Ⅳ型为非钙化斑块。比较不同狭窄程度组斑块类型差别。结果:共363例为冠脉血管正常人群,冠状动脉狭窄患者共769例,其中管腔狭窄程度<50%的轻度人群为367例,重度狭窄组(≥50%)为402例。重度狭窄患者组冠脉血管混合斑块数量较多,而非钙化斑块相对较少(Ⅰ～Ⅳ型斑块所占比例分别为22%,,39%,21%,18%),轻度狭窄患者组各斑块所占比例分别为29%,29%,26%,16%(p=0.006)。结论:随着冠状动脉狭窄程度的不同,冠状动脉粥样硬化斑块的类型也不尽相同,重度狭窄人群组中混合斑块较多而非钙化斑块较少。320排CT冠脉造影可对冠状动脉斑块成分进行分析。     

Positive Association of Coronary Calcium Detected by Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography with Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction

Background

Periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) may occur in approximately 5% to 30% of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Whether the morphology of coronary plaque calcium affects the occurrence of PMI is unknown.

Materials and Methods

A total of 616 subjects with stable angina and normal baseline cardiac troponin I levels who had undergone computed tomography angiography (CTA) were referred to elective percutaneous coronary intervention. The morphology of coronary calcium was determined by CTA analysis. PMI was defined as an elevation in 24-h post-procedural cardiac troponin I levels of > 5 times the upper limit of normal with either symptoms of myocardial ischemia, new ischemic electrocardiographic changes, or documented complications during the procedure. Logistic regression was performed to identify the effect of the morphology of coronary calcium on the occurrence of PMI.

Results

According to the presence or morphology of coronary calcium as shown by CTA, 210 subjects were grouped in the heavy calcification group, 258 in the mild calcification group, 40 in the spotty calcification group and 108 in the control group. The dissection rate was significantly higher in the heavy calcification group than in the control group (7.1 % vs. 1.9%, p = 0.03). The occurrence of PMI in the heavy calcification group was significantly higher than that in the control group (OR 4.38, 95% CI 1.80–10.65, p = 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, the risk of PMI still remained significantly higher in the heavy calcification group than in the control group (OR 4.04, 95% CI 1.50–10.89, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The morphology of coronary calcium determined by CTA may help to predict the subsequent occurrence of PMI. A large amount of coronary calcium may be predictive of PMI.     

脉搏波时标对臂踝脉搏波传播速度测量的影响

臂踝脉搏波传播速度(brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity,baPWV)测量是一种便捷、无创的方法,可用于人体动脉硬化度的评估,在临床和科学研究中广泛应用于血管早期病变的筛查和心血管系统风险的评估。本文设计开发了人体上臂和踝部脉搏波波形采集系统,并利用该系统对59名健康成年人进行实验,研究了目前三种最常用的脉搏波时标(pulse timing mark,PTM)定义方法对baPWV测量的影响。实验结果表明,选用不同的PTM方法所测得的baPWV结果具有显著的差异性(P0.001)。而且,PTM方法的不同还影响到了baPWV与年龄、血压的相互关系。     

冠状动脉解剖变异的CTA影像特征分析

目的:分析冠状动脉解剖变异的CT血管造影(computed tomography angiography,CTA)影像特征。方法:回顾分析2010年6月到2014年4月间PACS存储的12326例心脏CTA图像资料,记录解剖变异冠状动脉的名称、开口起源位置、数目、行程状态及终止部位表现及其与毗邻结构的关系。结果:共有700例心脏有冠状动脉解剖变异,以冠状动脉开口起源异常最多见,共622例(622/12326,5.05%),其中左和右冠状动脉开口高位350例(350/12326,2.84%),左和右冠状动脉开口于对侧窦166例(166/12326,1.35%),冠状动脉双开口70例(70/12326,0.57%),左和右冠状动脉开口于窦间36例(36/12326,0.29%);其次为数目异常29例(29/12326,0.24%),包括左、右单支冠状动脉19例(19/12326,0.15%)和冠状动脉分支(LCx)缺如10例(10/12326,0.08%);冠状动脉终止异常(冠脉动脉-动脉圆锥和/或肺动脉瘘)29例(29/12326,0.24%)。VR是显示冠状动脉解剖变异最重要的后处理方法。结论:冠状动脉解剖变异CTA表现复杂多样,心脏CTA能够准确显示冠状动脉解剖变异种类及其毗邻关系。     

绝经女性冠状动脉钙化积分与臂踝动脉脉搏波传导速度的相关性研究

目的:研究绝经女性中冠脉钙化积分(CACS)与臂踝动脉脉搏波传导速度(ba PWV)之间的相关性。方法:从1918名社区人群筛选出546名无冠心病病史并可以进行CACS检查的绝经女性为样本,对其进行标准化问卷调查、实验室指标检测、ba PWV及CACS测量。根据CACS将研究对象分为CACS=0组和CACS0组,并根据ba PWV四分位数进行分组,利用logistic回归分析冠脉钙化与ba PWV的相关性。结果:研究人群中CACS0组87例(15.9%),CACS=0组459例(84.1%)。其中CACS0组在年龄、BMI、高血压、收缩压、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白及糖尿病方面均高于CACS=0组。同时,CACS0组ba PWV比CACS=0组高(27.6%vs.24.2%,35.6%vs.23.1%),两组间差异有统计学意义(P=0.011),并且Logistic回归发现,绝经女性年龄(OR=1.094,95%CI 1.039-1.152,P0.001)、高血压(OR=1.933,95%CI 1.092-3.422,P=0.024)、ba PWV第三分位数(OR=2.435,95%CI1.141-5.196,P=0.021)、ba PWV第四分位数(OR=3.323,95%CI 1.594-6.930,P=0.001)是冠脉钙化的独立危险因素。结论:绝经女性ba PWV升高与CACS相关,ba PWV可以作为一种评估冠脉钙化程度和心血管风险的有效手段得以应用。     

臂踝脉搏波传导速度与冠状动脉病变程度的相关性研究

目的：探讨臂踝脉搏波传导速度（brachio—anklepulsewavevelocity,baPWV）与冠状动脉粥样硬化狭窄程度的相关性。方法：选择198例行冠脉造影的患者为研究对象,根据冠状动脉管腔狭窄程度分为非冠心病组（对照组,50例）和冠心病组（148例）;并将冠-22病组分为单支病变组（48例）、双支病变组（56例）及多支病变组（44例）,所有患者均采用动脉硬化检测仪检测baPWV,观察各组baPWV值及Gensini积分的变化,并对其行相关性分析。结果：CAD组多支病变、双支病变、单支病变亚组及对照组冠状动脉Gensini积分分别为45．06±7．27、30．83±4．50、24．83±4．94和13．75±1．74,baPWV值分别为2．13±0．32、1．68±0．14、1．12±0．13和0．93±0．17m／s,组间差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。冠心病组baPWV值与冠状动脉Gensini积分呈正相关。结论：baPWV值与冠状动脉粥样硬化的病变范围密切相关,可作为诊断冠心病和预测其病变严重程度的辅助指标。     

Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease Evaluated by Coronary CT Angiography in Women with Mammographically Detected Breast Arterial Calcifications

To assess the correlation between breast arterial calcifications (BAC) on digital mammography and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosed with dual source coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a population of women both symptomatic and asymptomatic for coronary artery disease. 100 consecutive women (aged 34 – 86 years) who underwent both coronary CTA and digital mammography were included in the study. Health records were reviewed to determine the presence of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and smoking. Digital mammograms were reviewed for the presence and degree of BAC, graded in terms of severity and extent. Coronary CTAs were reviewed for CAD, graded based on the extent of calcified and non-calcified plaque, and the degree of major vessel stenosis. A four point grading scale was used for both coronary CTA and mammography. The overall prevalence of positive BAC and CAD in the studied population were 12% and 29%, respectively. Ten of the 12 patients with moderate or advanced BAC on mammography demonstrated moderate to severe CAD as determined by coronary CTA. For all women, the positive predictive value of BAC for CAD was 0.83 and the negative predictive value was 0.78. The presence of BAC on mammography appears to correlate with CAD as determined by coronary CTA (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient = 0.48, p<.000001). Using logistic regression, the inclusion of BAC as a feature in CAD predication significantly increased classification results (p=0.04).     

脉搏波传导速度在冠心病诊断及冠状动脉狭窄程度评估中的临床应用

目的:研究臂踝脉搏波传导速度(baPWV)在冠心病患者中的诊断价值,并观察臂踝脉搏波传导速度改变(baPWV%)对冠状动脉狭窄程度评估的作用,为临床诊疗提供依据。方法:选取2013年7月-2015年9月我院预行冠状动脉造影患者463例,根据冠状动脉造影情况将入选者分为冠心病组(n=262)和非冠心病组(n=201),冠心病组根据SYNTAX评分将患者分为轻、中、重度组,所有入选者均行baPWV和baPWV%检查,并分析其与SYNTAX评分的相关性。结果:冠心病组baPWV和baPWV%均显著高于非冠心病组,比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);重度组baPWV和baPWV%显著高于中度组和轻度组,中度组baPWV和baPWV%显著高于轻度组,比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);相关性分析显示:baPWV%与SYNTAX评分呈正相关关系(P0.05)。结论:baPWV和baPWV%对冠心病具有一定诊断价值,且baPWV%与SYNTAX评分呈正相关关系。     

The Product of Resting Heart Rate Times Blood Pressure Is Associated with High Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity

Objective

To investigate potential associations between resting heart rate, blood pressure and the product of both, and the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as a maker of arterial stiffness.

Methods

The community-based “Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities in Community (APAC) Study” examined asymptomatic polyvascular abnormalities in a general Chinese population and included participants with an age of 40+ years without history of stroke and coronary heart disease. Arterial stiffness was defined as baPWV≥1400 cm/s. We measured and calculated the product of resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure (RHR-SBP) and the product of resting heart rate and mean arterial pressure (RHR-MAP).

Results

The study included 5153 participants with a mean age of 55.1±11.8 years. Mean baPWV was 1586±400 cm/s. Significant (P<0.0001) linear relationships were found between higher baPWV and higher resting heart rate or higher arterial blood pressure, with the highest baPWV observed in individuals from the highest quartiles of resting heart rate and blood pressure. After adjusting for confounding parameters such as age, sex, educational level, body mass index, fasting blood concentrations of glucose, blood lipids and high-sensitive C-reactive protein, smoking status and alcohol consumption, prevalence of arterial stiffness increased significantly (P<0.0001) with increasing RHR-SBP quartile (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.72;95%Confidence interval (CI):1.46,5.08) and increasing RHR-MAP (OR:2.10;95%CI:1.18,3.72). Similar results were obtained in multivariate linear regression analyses with baPWV as continuous variable.

Conclusions

Higher baPWV as a marker of arterial stiffness was associated with a higher product of RHR-SBP and RHR-MAP in multivariate analysis. In addition to other vascular risk factors, higher resting heart rate in combination with higher blood pressure are risk factors for arterial stiffness.     

冠心病心力衰竭患者颈股搏波传导速度及血清BNP水平与冠状动脉病变程度的相关性研究

目的:探讨冠心病心力衰竭患者颈股搏波传导速度(cfPWV)及血清脑钠肽(BNP)水平与冠状动脉病变程度的相关性及其对患者预后的预测价值。方法:选择冠心病心力衰竭患者90例,依据心脏彩超EF值分别分为三组,A组(EF值>40%),B组(30%0.05)。C组的cfPWV明显快于A、B两组,存在显著性差异(P<0.05),A、B组间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。三组间收缩压、Gensini积分和血清BNP水平比较存在统计学差异(P<0.05)。A、B组间脉压比较无统计学差异(P>0.05),C组与A组、B组脉压比较均存在统计学差异(P<0.05)。CfPWV与血清BNP水平、Gensini积分呈正相关。cfPWV对冠心病心力衰竭患者预后的ROC曲线下面积为0.617,其预测冠心病心力衰竭患者发生不良事件的灵敏度为81.8%,特异性为60.9%;血清BNP水平对冠心病心力衰竭患者预后的ROC曲线下面积为0.767,其预测冠心病心力衰竭患者发生不良事件的灵敏度为93.2%,特异性为56.5%。结论:cfPWV与血清BNP水平、冠状动脉病变程度之间具有相关性,cfPWV对冠心病心力衰竭患者发生不良事件具有中等的预测价值,但其敏感性及特异性有限。     

The Wall Eclipsing Sign on Pulmonary Artery Computed Tomography Angiography Is Pathognomonic for Pulmonary Artery Sarcoma

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the imaging characteristics of pulmonary artery sarcoma (PAS) on pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography (PACTA) that can be used to differentiate between PAS and pulmonary thromboembolic diseases, including chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

Methods

The clinical data and imaging characteristics of 12 patients with PAS, 156 patients with CTEPH, and 426 patients with APE who were treated at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2007 to August 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent PACTA before treatment, and the diagnoses of PAS and CTEPH were all confirmed by surgical biopsy.

Results

All 12 PAS patients were initially misdiagnosed and received inappropriate thrombolytic and/or anticoagulant therapy before they were referred for surgical intervention. The mean time from PACTA to surgical intervention was 5.5±3.7 months (range 2–11 months). On PACTA, the PAS lesion always eclipsed the wall of the pulmonary artery before infiltrating outside the pulmonary artery, which was termed the wall eclipsing sign. This sign was observed in all PAS patients but was not observed in any CTEPH or APE patients.

Conclusions

PAS is a rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis, and is easily misdiagnosed as thromboembolic disease. The wall eclipsing sign on PACTA is pathognomonic for PAS, and patients with this sign should be investigated to confirm the diagnosis and should undergo surgical intervention as soon as possible, rather than receiving thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy.     

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Based Assessment of Endothelial Shear Stress and Its Association with Atherosclerotic Plaque Distribution In-Vivo

Purpose

The relationship between low endothelial shear stress (ESS) and coronary atherosclerosis is well established. ESS assessment so far depended on invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between ESS and coronary atherosclerosis by using non-invasive coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Methods

A total number of 7 consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease who received CTA and invasive angiography with IVUS analysis were included in this study. CTA examinations were performed using a dual-source scanner. These datasets were used to build a 3D mesh model. CFD calculations were performed using a validated CFD solver. The presence of plaque was assumed if the thickness of the intima-media complex exceeded 0.3 mm in IVUS. Plaque composition was derived by IVUS radiofrequency data analysis.

Results

Plaque was present in 32.1% of all analyzed cross-sections. Plaque prevalence was highest in areas of low ESS (49.6%) and high ESS (34.8%). In parts exposed to intermediate-low and intermediate-high ESS few plaques were found (20.0% and 24.0%) (p<0.001). Wall thickness was closely associated with local ESS. Intima-media thickness was 0.43±0.34mm in low and 0.38±0.32mm in high ESS segments. It was significantly lower when the arterial wall was exposed to intermediate ESS (0.25±0.18mm and 0.28 ± 0.20mm) (p<0.001). Fibrofatty tissue was predominately found in areas exposed to low ESS (p≤0.023).

Conclusions

In this study a close association of atherosclerotic plaque distribution and ESS pattern could be demonstrated in-vivo. Adding CFD analysis to coronary CTA offers the possibility to gather morphologic and physiologic data within one non-invasive examination.     

Coronary Artery Disease with Single Coronary Artery

The authors have reviewed the literature in search of the coexistence of single coronary artery with significant coronary artery disease. Two cases of single right coronary artery are described. In both, the anomalies were unsuspected and diagnosed roentgenographically in life. Both patients had angina pectoris, positive graded-exercise stress tests, and hemodynamically significant obstruction or occlusion to the coronary arteries. In neither case was the stenosis proximal or amenable to bypass surgery.     

Relation between Mild to Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease and Coronary Artery Disease Determined with Coronary CT Angiography

Background

Both end-stage and milder stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Several studies found an association between decreasing renal function and increasing coronary artery calcification, but it remains unclear if this association is independent from traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether mild to moderate CKD is independently associated with coronary plaque burden beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

A total of 2,038 patients with symptoms of chest discomfort suspected for coronary artery disease underwent coronary CT-angiography. We assessed traditional risk factors, coronary calcium score and coronary plaque characteristics (morphology and degree of luminal stenosis). Patients were subdivided in three groups, based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) Normal renal function (eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m²); mild CKD (eGFR 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m²); and moderate CKD (eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m²).

Results

Coronary calcium score increased significantly with decreasing renal function (P<0.001). Coronary plaque prevalence was higher in patients with mild CKD (OR 1.83, 95%CI 1.52–2.21) and moderate CKD (OR 2.46, 95%CI 1.69–3.59), compared to patients with normal renal function (both P<0.001). Coronary plaques with >70% luminal stenosis were found significantly more often in patients with mild CKD (OR 1.67 (95%CI 1.16–2.40) and moderate CKD (OR2.36, 95%CI 1.35–4.13), compared to patients with normal renal function (both P<0.01). After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the association between renal function and the presence of any coronary plaque as well as the association between renal function and the presence of coronary plaques with >70% luminal stenosis becomes weaker and were no longer statistically significant.

Conclusion

Although decreasing renal function is associated with increasing extent and severity of coronary artery disease, mild to moderately CKD is not independently associated with coronary plaque burden after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.     

Effect of Isovolemic,Isothermic Hemodialysis on Cerebral Perfusion and Vascular Stiffness Using Contrast Computed Tomography and Pulse Wave Velocity

Background

Patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment have a six-fold increased risk for stroke relative to the general population. However, the effect of hemodialysis on cerebral blood flow is poorly studied and confounding factors like blood pressure and ultrafiltration as well as temperature changes have rarely been accounted for. The aim of our study was to use state-of-the-art technology to evaluate the effect of a single dialysis session on cerebral perfusion as well as on vascular stiffness.

Methods

Chronic hemodialysis patients (7 male/3 female, mean age 58 years) were recruited. Cerebral blood flow and arterial pulse wave velocity were measured before and immediately after a hemodialysis session. To exclude effects of volume changes we kept ultrafiltration to a minimum, allowing no change in body weight. Isothermic conditions were maintained by using the GENIUS single-pass batch-dialysis system with a high-flux polysulfone dialyser. Cerebral blood flow was measured by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Pulse wave velocity was measured using the SphygmoCor (AtCor Medical, USA) device by a single operator.

Results

This study shows for the first time that isovolemic, isothermic hemodialysis neither affected blood pressure or heart rate, nor total or regional cerebral perfusion. There was also no change in pulse wave velocity.

Conclusions

Mechanisms other than the dialysis procedure itself might be causative for the high incidence of ischemic strokes in this patient population. Moreover, the sole removal of uremic toxins does not lead to short-term effects on vascular stiffness, underlying the importance of volume control in this patient population.     

血管紧张素转换酶基因多态性与冠心病发病的相关关系

目的:从分子遗传学角度分析血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因I/D多态与中国北方汉族人群中冠心病发病的相关关系。方法:本研究收集在沈阳军区总医院心内科住院的行冠脉造影检查的病例为研究对象,冠脉动脉照影检查显示冠状动脉主支狭窄程度大于等于70%的入选为冠心病组,冠状动脉照影检查显示冠状动脉主支狭窄程度小于20%的为对照组,共入选568名冠心病患者以及性别与年龄相匹配的529名对照个体为研究对象,利用测序的方法分析检测血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因I/D多态在冠心病组与对照组中的频率分布情况。结果:血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因I/D多态基因型频率符合Hardy-Weinberg定律。血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因I/D多态(II型,ID型和DD型)在我们入选的568例冠心病组分布频率分别为50.3%,30.3%和19.4%,而在我们入选的524例对照组中的分布频率为57.7%,31.2%和11.1%,研究发现血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因I/D多态可能是中国北方汉族人群冠心病发病的独立危险因素(P0.05);利用多元回归分析发现,在调整了冠心病的其他危险因素后,血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因I/D多态的变化仍然是中国北方汉族人群冠心病发病一个独立危险因素,可以预测中国北方汉族人群冠心病的发生。结论:在中国北方汉族人群中,血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因I/D多态可能是冠心病发病的独立危险因素,在临床上可以早期预判冠心病的发生。     

白细胞介素23 受体基因rs6682925 多态与冠心病发病的相关关系

目的:本研究探讨白细胞介素23受体(Interleukin 23 Receptor,IL23R)基因单核苷酸多态位点(rs1884444与rs6682925)与中国北方汉族人群冠心病发病的相关关系。方法:本研究采用病例-对照的设计方法,收集568名冠心病患者以及45岁以上、年龄及性别匹配的524名正常对照个体为研究对象,采用测序法检测IL23R rs1884444与rs6682925单核苷酸多态性基因型,分析IL23R基因rs1884444与rs6682925单核苷酸多态位点的基因型及等位基因的分布情况。结果:IL23R rs6682925与rs1884444单核苷酸多态位点的基因型频率符合Hardy-Weinberg定律。IL23R基因rs6682925单核苷酸多态位点的三种基因型分布频率(CC型,TC型和TT型)在冠心病组为22.9%,39.6%和37.5%,在对照组分别为41.7%,47.2%和11.1%,IL23R基因rs6682925单核苷酸多态位点C等位基因是冠心病发病的一个独立的危险因素(P0.05);IL23R基因rs1884444单核苷酸位点的基因型和等位基因的频率在对照组和冠心病组之间不存在统计学差异(P0.05)。Logistic回归校正性别、年龄、体重指数、吸烟、高血压、高脂血症、糖尿病等冠心病的易患因素后,IL23R基因rs6682925 C等位基因仍是冠心病发病一个独立危险因素。结论:在中国北方汉族人群中,IL23R基因rs6682925 C等位基因可能是冠心病发病的独立危险因素。     

Aortic Unfolding Determined Using Non-Contrast Cardiac Computed Tomography: Correlations with Age and Coronary Artery Calcium Score

Objective

Aortic unfolding occurs with aging and reflects proximal aortic dilation, aortic arch widening, and decreased curvature. This study 1) evaluated the relationship between aortic unfolding measured using non-contrast cardiac-gated computed tomography (CT) and age, 2) assessed factors influencing aortic unfolding, and 3) determined the association of this measurement with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of 219 subjects (142 men, 77 women; mean age 54.2±9.3 years) who underwent coronary artery calcium scanning during routine health screening from December 2010 to May 2011. Multivariate regression analysis according to cardiovascular risk factors was performed. We also analyzed the relationship between aortic unfolding measurements and CAC score using stepwise multiple linear regression.

Results

Mean aortic unfolding was 103.7±13.9 mm (men, 106.5±13.5 mm; women, 98.4±12.9 mm). Age, body surface area, and hypertension were exclusively associated with aortic unfolding. The association between aortic unfolding and CAC score was significant after adjustment for age and gender (β = 1.89, p = 0.017) and for Framingham risk score (β = 2.83, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Aortic unfolding defined by measuring aortic width was a reproducible and practical method with non-contrast cardiac CT and associated with age, body surface area, and hypertension. CAC score, a well-established surrogate marker of cardiovascular disease, is positively associated with aortic unfolding. Further study to evaluate aortic unfolding as a potential predictor of cardiovascular risk is warranted.