Assessment and Follow Up of the Aortic Root by 2-D Echocardiography

Two dimensional echocardiography is a widely available, noninvasive means of evaluating the heart and aorta, which provides extensive and detailed diagnostic information with potential prognostic value for events linked to cardiac anatomic and functional findings. (1) The aortic root is readily imaged in most people and provides reproducible measurements at several locations. (2-4) Acquired aortic root enlargement occurs in several significant disease states, including aortic valve abnormalities, chronically elevated blood pressure, and aortic aneurysm and dissection.(5-8) Long standing questions have existed regarding normal ranges for aortic root dimensions, time related changes in these measurements, and their predictive value for future significant cardiovascular events.
Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research