Effect of statin on progression of degenerative aortic root dilatation. (14th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Avinashsingh Eswarsingh, A S; Bose, A B; Islam, T S; Shah, S H; Alampoondi Venkataramanan, S A I; Muthyala, A M; Manohar, S M; Rupendu, S R; Shah, N S
• Is Part Of: European heart journal. Volume 42(2021)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2021-10-14
• Subjects: Imaging; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.12005
• DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.2530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-668X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Aortic root dilatation (ARD) is the most common thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Causes of TAA include congenital and heritable disorders, degenerative disorders, inflammatory and infectious etiologies (1.) Hypertension management and smoking cessation are the two most important risk factor modification strategies to prevent rapid progression (>2 mm/year) of TAAs. Beta blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers are the preferred agents to treat HTN (5, 6). Statin use is associated with a lower rate of progression of ascending arch and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (2, 3, 4). However, their role in the progression of degenerative ARD remains unclear. Purpose: To evaluate the association between statin use and progression of ARD. Methods: A retrospective chart analysis was performed on 340 patients with a known diagnosis of degenerative ARD. Aortic root measurements were followed by serial transthoracic echocardiograms from the time of first diagnosis for a total of 10 years. The study population was dichotomized based on statin use. The mean change in ARD was calculated for each patient in millimeters. Baseline characteristics were compared between the groups. Multivariate adjusted linear regression models were used to estimate unit change in mean ARD change based on statin use. Results: Patients in the statin group were older, more obese, with a higher prevalence of comorbidities and medication use compared to patients not on statin. Over a 10-year follow up, the mean increase in ARD was comparable for statin vs. non-statin users (0.83 mm vs. 0.73 mm, p=0.53). On a multivariate regression model adjusted for baseline demographics, risk factors and medication use, the statin group showed a 0.16 mm reduction in ARD compared to non-statin group but this decrease was not statistically significant (Table 1, p=0.47) Conclusion: In patients with degenerative ARD on a pre-existing regimen of statin, there was no statistically significant change in ARD. Funding Acknowledgement: Type of funding sources: None.