Aortic Root Dilation in Young Patients with Turner syndrome. Does it correlate With Blood Pressure

Abstract EN

Background: Although cardiovascular malformations (CVMs) are well-recognized congenital anomalies in Turner syndrome (TS), aortic dilation and dissection are less common and less familiar.

Aim of the work: We aimed to determine the frequency of aortic dilation in patients with TS, to delineate associated CVMs and to correlate aortic root diameter to various clinical and laboratory data.

Patients and methods: 24 cases with TS and 24 healthy age and sex matched control were included.

Anthropometric measurements, laboratory evaluation of blood lipids and color Doppler trans thoracic Echocardiography were done.

Results: Aortic root diameter normalized to body surface area was greater than the 95th percentile in 21 % of the studied cases of TS.

CVMs were found in 50 % of TS cases and in 80 % of those with increased aortic root diameter.

It was significantly greater in cases than in control group (p = 0.005).

A positive significant correlation was found in TS between aortic root diameter and the diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.049 r = 0.36) and serum Cholesterol level (p = 0.02, r = 0.4).

Conclusion: Regular surveillance of the aortic root diameter, blood pressure and blood lipids is essential in all cases with TS.

Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia should be treated when present to minimize the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.