Sex-specific Morphometric Analysis of Ascending Aorta and Aortic Arch for Planning Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Background In many studies on aortic disease women are underrepresented. The present study aims to assess sex-specific morphometric differences and gain more insight into endovascular treatment of the AA and arch. Methods Electrocardiogram-gated cardiac computed tomography scans of 116 patients who were evaluated for transcatheter aortic valve replacement were retrospectively reviewed. Measurements of the AA and aortic arch were made in multiplanar views, perpendicular to the semi-automatic centerline. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictors affecting AA and aortic arch diameter in men and women. Propensity score matching was used to investigate whether sex influences aortic morphology. Results In both sexes, body surface area (BSA) was identified as a positive predictor and diabetes as a negative predictor for aortic diameters. In men, age was identified as a positive predictor and smoking as a negative predictor for aortic diameters. Propensity score matching identified 40 pairs. Systolic and diastolic mean diameters and AA length were significantly wider in men. On average, male aortas were 7,4% wider compared to female aortas, both in systole and diastole. Conclusions The present analysis demonstrates that, in women, increased BSA is associated with increased aortic arch diameters, while diabetes is associated to decreased AA and arch diameters. In men, increased body surface area and age are associated to increased AA and arch diameters, while smoking and diabetes are associated to decreased AA and arch diameters. Men were confirmed to have 7.4% greater AA and arch diameters than women.