Aortic Dilation in Turner Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Kristian H Mortensen, Britta E Hjerrild, Kirstine Stochholm, Niels H Andersen, Keld Ejvind Sørensen, Erik Lundorf, Arne Hørlyck, Erik M Pedersen, Jens S Christiansen, Claus H Gravholt
Primary Institution: Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Hypothesis
This study aimed to prospectively assess aortic dimensions in Turner syndrome (TS).
Conclusion
A general aortopathy is present in TS with enlargement of the ascending aorta, which is accelerated in the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve.
Supporting Evidence
- Aortic diameters were larger at all positions in TS compared to controls.
- Aortic dilation was more prevalent at all positions excluding the distal transverse aortic arch.
- Aortic diameter increased in the aortic sinus, at the sinotubular junction and in the mid-ascending aorta.
- Bicuspid aortic valve was associated with higher aortic sinus growth rates.
- Thirty-nine percent of TS patients had aortic growth exceeding interobserver limits of agreement.
Takeaway
People with Turner syndrome often have a bigger aorta, which can grow faster if they have a specific heart valve shape.
Methodology
Eighty adult TS patients were examined twice with a mean follow-up of 2.4 years using 3D cardiovascular magnetic resonance.
Potential Biases
The study may have selection bias as it included patients from a specific clinic and a contact group.
Limitations
Some patients had unusable scans due to poor compliance or technical reasons, and there was a loss of participants during follow-up.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adult females with Turner syndrome, aged 18 to 60 years, with a mean age of 38 ± 10 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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