Primary and secondary aortopathy associated with adult congenital heart disease - retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Primary and secondary aortopathy are frequently encountered in patients with congenital heart disease. The aim of this study is to present our experience and the incidence of primary and secondary adult CHD-associated aortopathy.

METHODS

The cohort is comprised of adult patients with congenital heart disease from the registry of the Eastern Slovakia Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. Data from the last follow-up examinations are included in this study. In the primary and secondary aortopathy groups were 35 and 12 patients respectively. As a control group were selected 64 patients with non aortopathy associated congenital heart disease (atrial and ventricular septal defect).

RESULTS

Patients with primary and secondary aortopathy had larger ascending aorta/aortic root diameters than the control group (36.28 (26-49) mm vs 30.25 (21-41) mm p = 0.000113, 33.82 27-49) mm vs 29.03 (19-38)mm p = 0.000366 and 42.1 (30-50) mm vs 30.25 (21-41) mm, p = 0.000106, 35.67 (27-48) mm vs 29.03 (19-38) mm, p = 0.000119 respectively). Moreover, patients with secondary aortopathy had statistically significant larger ascending aorta diameter compared to the patients with primary aortopathy (42.1 (30-50) mm vs 36.28 (26-49) mm p = 0.030). During the follow-up period, were performed only in 2 patients (one from each group) operations on the aortic root and the ascending aorta due to aortic root or ascending aorta dilatation.

CONCLUSION

More patients with secondary aortopathy had dilated ascending aorta/ aortic root, as well as larger aortic diameters compare to the patients with primary aortopathy. Routine follow-up of these patients with attention to aortic diameter is necessary.