SAVAŞ DEDEOĞLU, YUSUF ISKENDER COŞKUN, HELEN BORNAUN
Comprehensive Medicine - 2023;15(4):345-349
INTRODUCTION: We aim to examine the prevalence and characteristics of ascending aorta (AA) dilatation in pediatric patients, specifically focusing on its relation-ship with the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and aortic valve stenosis (AS). We also seek to identify potential risk factors and clinical implications of AA dilatation within this population. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 71 pediatric patients who underwent echocardiography between 2010 and 2022 were analyzed. AA dilatation is seen in connective tissue disorders and in BAV. Our objective was to look at the potential diagnoses for pediatric AA dilatation, focusing on associated aortic valve diseases. Patients with genetic syndromes, congenital heart defects, or other cardiac conditions were excluded. Aortic measurements were taken using standard techniques, and z-scores were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations between aortic dilatation, valvular conditions, and other variables. Results: The median age of 71 patients was 9 years (1 day18 years). AA dilation was common in patients with AS (36%) and BAV (47%). Isolated aortic root dilation was observed in 49% of cases. AA z-scores were statistically higher in BAV patients (p=0.034), but no difference was found in aortic root z-scores be-tween BAV and non-BAV patients (p=0.117). AA z-scores correlated with aortic root z-scores and BAV presence (p=0.037, p=0.033). Patients with AS had smaller aortic root z-scores compared to those without AS (p=0.003). Smaller aortic root z-scores were also found in patients with both AS and BAV compared to those without either condition (p=0.0001). We could not find a statistically significant difference in AA dilatation in patients with and without AS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: AA dilatation is a significant concern in pediatric patients with BAV, especially when AS is present. Routine echocardiography is essential for monitoring and early detection of aortic dilatation. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term implications and to optimize diagnostic approaches.
