The Relationship between Arterial Elasticity Parameters of Ascending Aorta, Abdominal Aorta and Carotid Arteries with Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Children with Bicuspid Aortic Valve

BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital cardiac malformation that affects not only the valve and ascending aorta but also the abdominal aorta and large central arteries like carotid arteries by damaging the elasticity of the vessel resulting in increased stiffness and reduced distensibility. Deterioration of aortic compliance disturbs functions of the left ventricle and triggers atherosclerosis determined with carotid intima-media thickness. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the bicuspid aortic valve on the elastic properties of these parts of the arterial system in children. METHODS: Thirty-four children with bicuspid aortic valves with normal valvular functions or mild valvular dysfunction and a control group of 34 individuals with tricuspid aortic valves were included in the study. Echocardiographic measurements of the left ventricle, ascending aorta, and ultrasonographic measurements of the abdominal aorta and carotid arteries were performed, and elasticity indexes were calculated. RESULTS: The bicuspid aortic valve group had higher stiffness and lower distensibility in ascending aorta, abdominal aorta, and carotid arteries with higher carotid intima-media thickness values than the tricuspid aortic valve group. Aortic valvular z scores and ascending aorta and abdominal aorta stiffness were higher in patients with bicuspid aortic valves irrespective of valvular functions than in controls. Valvular dysfunction affected stiffness in carotid arteries. Dilatation of ascending aorta increased stiffness in the abdominal aorta. Distensibility was lower in ascending aorta and left carotid artery, with increased carotid intima-media thickness independent from ascending aorta dilatation. Stiffness of abdominal aorta revealed a positive correlation with the stiffness of the ascending aorta and the carotid arteries (P < .05, for all). CONCLUSIONS: Elasticity indexes of children with bicuspid aortic valves were impaired in ascending aorta, abdominal aorta, and carotid arteries with an increase in carotid intima-media thickness.