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Heterogeneous remodelling of the ascending and descending aorta with age

Journal of Human Hypertension volume 21, pages 689–691 (2007)Cite this article

Cross-sectional area compliance (CC) and distensibility (DC) in the ascending and descending aorta and the average pulse wave velocity (PWV) along the descending section of the thoracic aorta were studied in a group of young versus old normotensive subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CC and DC correlated stronger with age in the ascending aorta than the descending aorta. Aging-related alteration of the functional properties of the aortic wall, have a different pattern in the ascending versus the descending aorta.

The aorta functions not only as a conduit delivering blood to the tissues but also as an important modulator of the entire cardiovascular system, buffering the intermittent pulsatile output from the heart to provide steady flow to capillary beds.1, 2 Proper evaluation must recognize that the aorta differs both structurally and functionally along its substantial length. MRI of the aorta is a versatile technique to directly and noninvasively measure arterial mechanical properties.3, 4

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    D A Duprez, R Sih, T Lefebvre & D R Kaiser

  2. Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    C Swingen & M Jerosch-Herold

  3. Department of Radiology, Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    M Jerosch-Herold

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  1. D A Duprez
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  2. C Swingen
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  3. R Sih
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  4. T Lefebvre
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  5. D R Kaiser
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  6. M Jerosch-Herold
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Correspondence to D A Duprez.

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Duprez, D., Swingen, C., Sih, R. et al. Heterogeneous remodelling of the ascending and descending aorta with age. J Hum Hypertens 21, 689–691 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1002216

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