What is the normal diameter of the aortic root | Aortic Root

What is the normal diameter of the aortic root

There is no standard value for the diameter of the aortic root that can be used as a benchmark for all individuals. This is due to the fact that each person has a certain body size and body surface area which have an influence on the diameter of the aortic root. The reference range is the specification that the aortic root should not be larger in diameter than between 20mm and 37mm. However, a change in the aorta is always determined individually by means of imaging (e.g. sonography) and various measurements. As soon as a deviation from the standard values is detected, it is checked at certain time intervals and, if necessary, an indication for surgery is given.

Diseases of the aortic root

An aneurysm is a pathological dilation of a vessel that affects all three layers of the wall. An aortic root aneurysm describes this vessel bulge in the area of the aortic root. Relative to all aneurysms of the aorta, the sacculations in the upper part of the aorta only account for a small proportion of the aorta.

The abdominal aortic aneurysm (BAA) is more common and affects mainly older men. This particular patient group can be explained by the typical risk factors, such as: Another rarer cause is various connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome. Here the connective tissue, including that in the vessels, is particularly elastic, so that such people are prone to aneurysms.

An aortic root aneurysm shows, if at all, rather unspecific symptoms such as fatigue and reduced performance. In the long term, an aortic root aneurysm leads to aortic insufficiency because blood keeps flowing back into the left ventricle through the sacculation. As a result, the aortic valve is damaged and loses its closing function.

This ultimately leads to left heart strain. An aneurysm is detected by imaging techniques such as sonography or computer tomography (CT) and its course is monitored. The diameter of the aneurysm and its size progression (increase in size) are of particular importance.

Surgery is recommended for aneurysms that are larger than 55mm or rapidly increasing in diameter. The gold standard in the surgical treatment of an aortic root aneurysm is the insertion of a tubular or Y-shaped prosthesis. However, a variety of stent prostheses can also be used to eliminate the aneurysm and restore the normal vascular lumen.

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  • Arteriosclerosis

A dilatation of the aortic root describes a pathological expansion of the aortic root. Risk factors that promote dilatation of the aorta include However, there are also congenital diseases, such as Marfan syndrome, which lead to weakness of the vascular walls. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a dilated aortic root are very unspecific, and those affected often notice a reduction in performance and increased fatigue.

The easiest way to detect dilatation of the aortic root is by ultrasound (sonography). Depending on gender, height and body surface, values between 20mm and 36mm are physiological. Depending on the dilatation of the aortic root, either regular follow-up examinations are performed or the indication for a surgical intervention is given.

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  • Arteriosclerosis
  • High blood pressure

Ectasia is a pathological bulging of a hollow organ, which can also affect a vessel. Ectasia of the aortic root describes a permanent expansion of the aortic root, whereby the individual wall layers of the vessel are intact. The size of the sacculation (dilatation) can vary.

Nowadays, the terms “ectasia” and “aneurysm” are often used equivalently in medicine to describe a pathological dilatation of a vessel. The term “ectasia” is commonly used to describe minor aneurysms. The standard values for the diameter of the aortic root are gender-specific and are also dependent on body size and body surface. The critical limit above which surgery is urgently indicated is a diameter of more than 55mm or a ruptured sacculation.