Enlarged Lumen Volume of Proximal Aortic Segment and Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: A Computer Fluid Dynamics Study of Ideal Aortic Models

BACKGROUND: Recent study has revealed that enlarged diameters of the ascending aorta and proximal aortic arch enhance the probability of ATBAD. However, little is understood about the relation to ATBAD. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the differences in proximal aortic segment (PAS) morphology in patients with acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD), and performed hemodynamic simulations to provide proof of principle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The morphological characteristics of PAS in the ATBAD group (n = 163) and corresponding segment in the control group (n = 120) were retrospectively measured. The morphological parameters were analyzed using comprehensive statistical approaches. Ridge regression analysis was also performed to determine the association between independent variable and dependent variable. P < 0.01 was considered significant. Idealized aortic models were established based on variables of statistical significance, and hemodynamic simulations were performed to evaluate blood flow changes caused by morphology. RESULTS: Diameters at landmarks of PAS were significantly larger in the ATBAD group. The lumen volume (V(PAS)) of PAS in the ATBAD group was significantly enlarged than that of the control group (124,659.07 ± 34,089.27 mm(3) vs 89,796.65 ± 30,334.40 mm(3); P < 0.001). Furthermore, the V(PAS) was positively correlated to diameters. As the V(PAS) increased, the fluid kinetic energy in PAS enhanced linearly, and time-averaged wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index at the distal area of the left subclavian artery increased significantly. CONCLUSION: In the ATBAD group, the enlarged V(PAS) and increased diameters of PAS are positively correlated. Meanwhile, the enlarged V(PAS) leads to more aggressive hemodynamic parameters at the distal area of the left subclavian artery, which may create a contributory condition for ATBAD.