Blood stasis in the descending thoracic aorta and its relationship to cardiac functional parameters
2011
Blood Stasis in the Descending Aorta and Cardiac Function
Sample size: 148
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Simprini Lauren A, Weissman Gaby, Fuisz Anthony R
Primary Institution: Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
Hypothesis
The study evaluates the relationship between opacification of the descending aorta and cardiac functional parameters.
Conclusion
Opacification of the descending aorta is a specific indicator of depressed left ventricular ejection fraction and lower cardiac output.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with no opacification had a mean LVEF of 60%, while those with opacification had a mean LVEF of 36%.
- Specificity for LVEF < 55 was 97%, while sensitivity was 32%.
- Mean LVSV for patients with no opacification was 96 ml, compared to 58 ml for those with opacification.
- Mean CO for patients with no opacification was 6.2 L/min, while it was 4.5 L/min for those with opacification.
Takeaway
If doctors see blood in the descending aorta during heart scans, it might mean the heart isn't working well.
Methodology
148 cardiac MR scans were reviewed for opacification of the descending aorta and evaluated for left ventricular function.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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