The role of vascular elastography and carotid artery intima media thickness methods in the determination of non-syndromic ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm

Abstract

Aim: The role of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms is still uncertain. Ultrasonic elastography is a new diagnostic method, the use of which has diversified considerably in recent years. An increase in intima media thickness in the carotid arteries is an early finding of atherosclerosis. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of atherosclerosis in the development of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and to be able to recommend a non-invasive and inexpensive scanning method aiming at early diagnosis. Material and Methods: Thirty-three patients with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAA group) and 40 patients with normal measurement (control group) values were included in the study. The carotid artery intima media thicknessof carotid arteries were measured using B mode ultrasonography. Elastographic examination of the intima-media was then performed. Results: Body mass index, past smoking status, hypertension, presence of coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia were higher in the aTAA group than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant difference was determined between these two groups’ ultrasonic elastography or intima media thickness in the carotid arteries values (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the effect of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms is limited. Vascular ultrasonic elastography and intima media thickness determination in the carotid arteries appear not to be effective in the evaluation of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms.