Normal Aortic Diameter on Multi Detector Computed Tomography In Nepalese Population Of Eastern Nepal

Abstract

The aortic diameter was measured from the intima to intima and from adventitia to adventitia, perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the aorta in straight anterior- posterior [sagittal] and transverse [coronal] planes. Wherever possible, magnified images were used for measurement to reduce operator errors. The diameters of aorta were measured with the help of electronic caliper. The arithmetic mean of antero- posterior and transverse diameter of aorta were calculated at different levels and the values were recorded in the structured proforma for both inner and outer diameter separately. A total of 1204 patients were included in the study out of which 601 patients underwent thoracic CT scan and 603 underwent abdominal CT scan. The mean inner and outer diameter of thoracic aorta was measured in 601 patients at 3 different aortic levels viz. ascending aorta, arch of aorta and descending aorta. Similarly the mean inner and outer aortic diameter of abdominal aorta was measured in another group of 603 patients at 3 different levels viz. suprarenal, infrarenal and aortic bifurcation level. Radiological imaging play important role in diagnosis, treatment and follow up of patient with various aortic diseases such as aortic dissection, stenosis or aneurysm formation; of which preferably aortic aneurysm is a common potentially lethal but treatable disease, particularly if detected before dissection or rupture. The data generated from the present study concludes that both inner and outer diameters of ascending aorta, arch of aorta, descending aorta, suprarenal aorta, infrarenal aorta and aortic bifurcation significantly increased with increase in the age of the patient. Average inner and outer aortic diameters of ascending aorta, arch of aorta, descending aorta, suprarenal aorta, infrarenal aorta and aortic bifurcation were significantly larger in male as compared to female. Mongolian had larger aortic diameter compared to Aryan which is statistically significant. There was positive correlation of both inner and outer aortic diameters with BMI at ascending aorta, arch of aorta, descending aorta and aortic bifurcation levels which was statistically significant. However there was no significant correlation of aortic diameters with BMI at suprarenal and infrarenal aortic levels.

Keywords: Aortic Diameter, Multi Detector Computed Tomography, Nepalese Population, Eastern Nepal, etc.