Abstract

Aim: The role of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms is still uncertain. Ultrasonic elastography is a new diagnostic method, the use of which has diversified considerably in recent years. An increase in intima media thickness in the carotid arteries is an early finding of atherosclerosis. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of atherosclerosis in the development of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and to be able to recommend a non-invasive and inexpensive scanning method aiming at early diagnosis.
Material and Methods: Thirty-three patients with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAA group) and 40 patients with normal measurement (control group) values were included in the study. The carotid artery intima media thicknessof carotid arteries were measured using B mode ultrasonography. Elastographic examination of the intima-media was then performed.
Results: Body mass index, past smoking status, hypertension, presence of coronary artery disease and hyperlipidemia were higher in the aTAA group than in the control group (p

Key words: Aneurysm; Atherosclerosis; Intima-Media Thickness; Vascular Elastography.