Calcification and atheroma plaques: is there any impact on the anatomical features of the aortic root and its elements?

OBJECTIVES: Morphometric information of the structures within the borders of the aortic root is a guide for surgical interventions. It is essential to determine the effects of aortic calcification and atheroma plaque findings on the structures of this region. This study aims to establish the normal values of aortic root structures and to investigate the impact of pathologic findings in order to guide diagnosis and treatment in the clinic. METHODS: The aortic root structures were morphometrically analyzed in fresh hearts of 110 patients (89 males, 21 females) brought to the forensic medicine institution. The distances between the bases of the aortic sinuses, their widths and heights, and the lengths of the commissures were measured to differentiate between pathologic and non-pathologic aortic classes. Parameters were compared according to gender, age, body mass index, and body surface area. RESULTS: The mean age was 44.71 ± 15.57 years in 21 female patients and 53.66 ± 15.67 years in 89 male patients. The results of the pathologic aorta group with calcification and atheroma plaque findings were higher than the non-pathologic aorta group in all parameters (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Calcification and the presence of atheroma plaque in the aorta increase the size of the structures at the aortic root. Gender, age, body mass index, and body surface area are among the criteria that will cause changes in the structures of this region. These results will help surgeons to know the normal values of aortic root structures and to consider the effects of pathologic findings in aortic valve repair operations.