Changes in Elastic Properties of Descending Thoracic Aorta After Ascending Aorta Replacement

Impact of Ascending Aorta Replacement by Graft on Elastic Properties of Descending Thoracic Aorta Evaluated by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of aortic root replacement by a graft on the elastic properties of the descending thoracic aorta using cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and automatic post-processing.

Nineteen patients were operated on an aortic root aneurysm and a cardiac MRI allowing aortic compliance measurement was performed before and after surgery. Images were acquired with a 1.5 T MRI with only one additional sequence to a conventional aortic MRI protocol.

Observational and retrospective trial on medical data only. The patients are operated of planned aortic root aneurysm without additional intervention.

The pre and postoperative cardiac MRI are planned in standard of care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• > 18 years
• Elective patient
• Ascending aorta replacement with graft

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior cardiac surgery
• Contraindication to performing cardiac MRI