The Correlation Between Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control and Aortic Stiffness Index Assessed by CMR After Aortic Coarctation Stenting in Adults

Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a common form of congenital heart disease with an incidence of 1 in 3000-4000 live births, characterized by the narrowing of the aorta, which leads to significant hemodynamic changes, including increased afterload, hypertension, and ultimately, adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Despite successful surgical or interventional treatment to correct the anatomical defect, patients with coarctation of the aorta often continue to experience elevated systemic blood pressure and increased aortic stiffness, which are important predictors of long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Stenting has emerged as a preferred interventional strategy for treating aortic coarctation in adults due to its less invasive nature and immediate efficacy in relieving aortic obstruction.

However, the medium-term impact of stenting on aortic stiffness remains underexplored. Understanding these changes is crucial for optimizing long-term management strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging offers a non-invasive and highly accurate method for assessing aortic stiffness, providing detailed insights into the structural and functional properties of the aorta. The aortic stiffness index, derived from CMR measurements, serves as a valuable biomarker for vascular health and has been linked to systemic blood pressure levels.