Enlarged Size and Impaired Elastic Properties of the Ascending Aorta are Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction and Elevated Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Level in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve

The aim of this study was to test whether enlarged size and impaired elastic properties of the ascending aorta are associated with impaired endothelial function and increases in plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 concentrations in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) without significant valvular dysfunction. The size and the elasticity of the ascending aorta and the flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in the brachial artery in response to hyperemia were evaluated with 2-D echocardiography and high-frequency linear ultrasound in 42 patients with BAV without significant valvular dysfunction and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Source: Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology - February 20, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Yi-Bin Wang, Yang Li, You-Bin Deng, Ya-Ni Liu, Jun Zhang, Jie Sun, Ying Zhu, Li Li, Qiao-Ying Tang, Wei Zhou Tags: Original Contribution Source Type: research