Assessment of aortic stiffness in computed tomography – methodology of radiological examination from 2000 to 2020

Abstract

Introduction:Vascular elasticity may be a predictive factor of various diseases. Although stiffening is thought to be a natural consequence of ageing, it can be accelerated by a number of pathological conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or renal diseases. Aim of the study was to discuss the methodology used to assess aortic stiffness, with particular emphasis on radiological examination. Material and methods:The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were screened from inception to the year 2000 by 2 independent analysts initially working separately and then comparing their results.Results: Assessment of stiffness can be divided into methods not requiring computed tomography scan, such as tonometry of carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and cardio ankle vascular index, and methods requiring it, such as multidetector row computed tomography -ECG gated, in which indexes such as aortic distensibility, aortic stiffness, and aortic compliance can be obtained with simultaneous calcification evaluation based on the Agatston score.Discussion: Aortic stiffness was corelated with left ventricular afterload, prehypertension, coronary artery plaques, prediction of coronary artery diseases, bone demineralization, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions:Being a factor of various severe diseases, aortic stiffness may play an important role in the early detection of patients requiring additional medical care.

Stiffness and Elasticity of Aorta Assessed Using Computed Tomography Angiography as a Marker of Cardiovascular Health—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In our research, we sought to study aortic stiffness and elasticity as a possible new marker of cardiovascular health. Descriptions of aortic stiffness and elasticity measurement methods and their importance were discussed in our previous article [14], and the most significant findings in the context of this study were as follows: increased aortic stiffness is thought to be a predictor of coronary artery disease [15] and it has been associated with increased blood pressure [16] or arterial calcification [17][18][19][20], whereas impaired aortic elasticity has been associated with prehypertension [21].…”

Thickness and Volume of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Relation to Stiffness and Elasticity of Aorta Assessed by Computed Tomography Angiography

“…Different aortic stiffness and elasticity measurements methods, with a brief description of their importance, were described in our previous article [ 27 ] and the most relevant findings in the context of this study are as follows. Aortic stiffness was found to be a predictor of CAD [ 28 ], increased epicardial adipose tissue [ 29 ] and increased systolic blood pressure [ 30 ].…”