Quantification of Respiratory Movement of the Aorta and Side Branches

Abstract

Purpose: To assess and quantify the magnitude and direction of respiratory movement of the aorta and origins of its side branches. Methods: A quantitative 3-dimensional (3D) subtraction analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans during inspiration and expiration was performed to determine the respiratory geometric movements of the aorta and side branches in 60 patients. During breath-hold expiration and inspiration, 1-mm-thick CT slices of the aorta were acquired in unenhanced and contrast-enhanced scans. The datasets were compared using dedicated multiplanar reformation image subtraction software to determine the change in position of relevant anatomic sections, including the ascending thoracic aorta (AA), the origins of the brachiocephalic artery (BA) and left subclavian artery (LSA), the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) at the level of the tenth thoracic vertebra, as well as the origins of the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and the renal arteries. Results: Complex movement was visible during inspiration; the regions of interest in the thoracic aorta and side branches moved in the anterior, medial, and caudal directions compared with the expiration state. Mean 3D movement vectors (± standard deviation) were 8.9±3.6 mm (AA), 12.0±4.1 mm (BA), 11.1±3.9 mm (LSA), and 4.9±2.5 mm (DTA). Abdominal side branches moved in the caudal direction 1.3±1.1 mm. There was significantly less movement in the DTA compared to AA (p<0.001). The correlation coefficient between the extent of LSA movement and thoracic excursion was 0.78. Conclusion: The aorta and side branches undergo considerable respiratory movement. The results from this study provide an important contribution to understanding aortic dynamics.