From the Guidelines
The aortic root diameter of 3 cm and ascending aorta of 2.9 cm are within normal limits, indicating no aortic dilation or aneurysm, and therefore, no immediate medical intervention is required. The absence of pericardial and pleural effusions is reassuring, suggesting no fluid accumulation around the heart or lungs that would require intervention 1. No cardiac shunts were detected, meaning there are no abnormal connections between heart chambers or blood vessels that could cause oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix. The absence of a pacemaker is simply a descriptive finding.
Key Findings
- Aortic root diameter: 3 cm (within normal limits)
- Ascending aorta diameter: 2.9 cm (within normal limits)
- No pericardial or pleural effusions
- No cardiac shunts
- No pacemaker Overall, these findings represent a normal cardiovascular evaluation with no concerning features that would require medical intervention or follow-up. According to the 2022 aortic disease guideline-at-a-glance, surgical intervention is recommended for aortic aneurysms with a maximum diameter of ≥5.5 cm 1. Since the aortic root and ascending aorta diameters are below this threshold, no surgical intervention is indicated at this time. These normal findings suggest good cardiovascular health from a structural perspective.
From the Research
Aortic Root and Ascending Aorta Diameters
- The aortic root diameter is 3 cm and the ascending aorta diameter is 2.9 cm, which are important measurements in assessing aortic diseases 2.
- These diameters are used to diagnose, follow-up, and determine surgical indications for many aortic diseases, including aortic root aneurysms and ascending aorta aneurysms 3, 4.
Comparison of Measurement Conventions
- The diastolic leading edge (DLE) and systolic inner edge (SIE) conventions are two methods used to measure aortic root and ascending aorta diameters 2.
- A study found that the DLE and SIE conventions yielded similar values, with a non-significant underestimation of the diameter measured by the SIE convention at the root level and tubular ascending aorta level 2.
- The study concluded that the two conventions are interchangeable in clinical practice, allowing for consistent measurement and comparison of aortic diameters across different patient populations 2.
Clinical Implications
- Aortic root dilatation is a significant concern in patients with congenital heart diseases, such as tetralogy of Fallot, and can lead to regurgitation, dissection, and rupture 5.
- Medical prophylaxis, such as losartan or atenolol, has been shown to reduce proximal aortic growth rates in young patients with bicuspid aortopathy 6.
- Surgery, including aortic root replacement and ascending aorta replacement, is a common treatment for aortic root aneurysms and ascending aorta aneurysms, with acceptable early mortality and satisfactory long-term results 4.