What is it about?
In women with Turner syndrome the risk of aortic complications (aortic dissection). is presumed higher than in women without Turner syndrome or aortic pathology. The true prevalence of aortic complications has only been investigated in relatively small cohorts. Also, aortic diameter change in time in Turner women is associated with worse prognosis, but the rate of diameter increase and factors associated with accelerated increase are not well known.
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Why is it important?
We confirmed known associations of larger aortic diameters in Turner women (hypertension, Karyotype 45X0, bicuspid aortic valve, weight), but we also suggest that a history of growth hormone treatment is associated with larger aortic diameter even after correcting for height. During a follow-up of 7 years, the prevalence of aortic complications was low (2 dissections, 3 preventive ascending aortic surgery) in 268 patients. the increase in aorta diameter was slow but faster than in report normal population.
Perspectives
I think this publication illustrates the need for more research to identify better aortic tissue related markers. and the need to reconsider the currently used correction of aortic diameter based on body surface area.
Dr Anthonie L Duijnhouwer
Radboud Universiteit
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Aortic dilatation and outcome in women with Turner syndrome, Heart, October 2018, BMJ,
DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2018-313716.
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