Systolic flow displacement using 3D magnetic resonance imaging in an experimental model of ascending aorta aneurysm: impact of rheological factors.
OBJECTIVES
The impact of systolic flow displacement on the development and progression of ascending aorta dilatation in aortic valve disease is a matter of controversy. Our objective was to study the association between rheological stimuli and development of aortic dilatation in a large animal model of supravalvular aortic stenosis and eccentric flow.


METHODS
Twenty-four pigs weighing 10-14 kg were randomly allocated (ratio 2:1) to either restrictive ascending aortic banding or sham operation. Aortic diameter and systolic flow displacement were assessed by three-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging at 6 and 18 weeks after surgery. Twenty pigs (n = 14, banded vs n = 6, sham) completed full imaging protocol and were included in the analysis. After the last follow-up, a subset of 14 animals was sacrificed for histological analysis.


RESULTS
All banded animals developed significant progressive aortic dilatation both at 6 and 18 weeks, compared with sham-operated pigs: 34.3 ± 4.8 vs 21.4 ± 2.7 mm at 6 weeks (P < 0.001); and 50.0 ± 8.4 vs 38.0 ± 8.3 mm at 18 weeks (P = 0.002). The peak gradient at 6 weeks showed a trend to positively correlate with aortic diameter at 18 weeks (R = 0.50, P = 0.06), whereas the systolic flow displacement at 6 weeks correlated better with aortic diameter at 18 weeks (R = 0.59, P = 0.02). The aortic wall thickness was significantly decreased in the anterior aortic section in banded, compared with sham-operated, pigs (1.5 ± 0.4 vs 2.0 ± 0.1 mm, respectively; P = 0.03). In addition, banded pigs showed a higher degree of cystic medial necrosis and elastin fibre fragmentation, compared with sham-operated animals.


CONCLUSIONS
In this preclinical model of supravalvular aortic stenosis and eccentric flow, we found that systolic flow displacement at earlier stages is positively correlated with the degree of aortic dilatation during follow-up as assessed by three-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging. If our findings are confirmed in further studies, this imaging parameter might be useful to identify those subjects with aortic valve disease who are at risk of developing aortic dilatation at a later stage.
['Ayaon-Albarran|Ali|A|', 'Fernandez-Jimenez|Rodrigo|R|', 'Silva-Guisasola|Jacobo|J|', 'Agüero|Jaume|J|', 'Sanchez-Gonzalez|Javier|J|', 'Galan-Arriola|Carlos|C|', 'Reguillo-Lacruz|Fernando|F|', 'Maroto Castellanos|Luis C|LC|', 'Ibanez|Borja|B|']
D000818:Animals D001014:Aortic Aneurysm D021921:Aortic Stenosis, Supravalvular D004195:Disease Models, Animal D006321:Heart D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging D008297:Male D012212:Rheology D013552:Swine D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
Flow displacement 3D magnetic resonance imaging Aortic valve disease Aortic dilatation Animal model Thoracic aneurysm