Background Detailed knowledge of the dimensions and shape of the main arteries of the body and how they change with age and disease is important for understanding arterial pathophysiology and improving minimally invasive devices to treat arterial diseases. Our goal was to describe and compare geometric remodeling of the aorta and peripheral arteries in the context of patient demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods 3D reconstructions of Computerized Tomography Angiography scans were performed in n=122 subjects 5-93 years old (mean 47±24 years, 64M/58F). Best-fit arterial diameters, lengths and tortuosity for the principle named arteries in the chest, abdomen, pelvis and upper thigh were measured, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine how these morphological parameters associate with patient demographics and risk factors. Results Large elastic arteries increased their diameter, length and tortuosity with age, while muscular arteries primarily became more tortuous. Demographics and risk factors explained >70% of the variation in diameters of the abdominal aorta, paravisceral aorta, and the aortic arch; and >75% of variation in tortuosity from the profunda femoris to the brachiocephalic artery. Male gender, larger body mass index and hypertension contributed to larger diameters, while presence of diabetes was associated with somewhat straighter arteries. Overall the effects of cardiovascular risk factors on geometric remodeling were small compared to those of demographics. Conclusions The geometry of the vascular tree is significantly affected by aging, demographics and some risk factors. Elastic and muscular arteries remodel differently, possibly due to differences in their microstructure.

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