106 THE PREVALENCE OF AORTIC ROOT DILATION IN HIGHLY TRAINED ATHLETES: 'THE BRITISH EXPERIENCE'

Abstract

Introduction: Studies suggest there is an increased prevalence of aortic root dilation highly trained competitive athletes. It is unclear whether this is a benign feature of 'athlete's heart' or an indication of a pathological condition. However, distinguishing between the two may be important in the prevention of exercise related sudden cardiac death. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of aortic root dilation in British competitive athletes. Methods: Between 2004 and 2012, 1165 athletes (63% male, 81% Caucasian, mean age 20.9±6.0 yrs, range 14-35 yrs) underwent echocardiography. Aortic root dimensions, measured at sinus of valsalva level, were analysed to ESC guidelines and were compared to current Bathesda recommendations of 340mm for both male and female athletes. Results were compared to 415 healthy controls (57% male, 60% Caucasian, mean age 22.1±6.4 yrs, range 14-35 yrs) and 50 patients with Marfan syndrome (54% male, 88% Caucasian, mean age 35.6±12.6 yrs, range 18-68 yrs). Results: Male athletes and controls demonstrated a similar prevalence of aortic root dimension (27.9±4.2mm, range: 17-52mm vs 27.9±4.0mm, range: 19 - 38mm; p=1.000). However, 7 male athletes (1.0%) had an aortic root 340mm, compared to 0% male controls (p=0.2053). Male Marfan patients demonstrated a higher prevalence of aortic root dilation than male athletes (40.9mm±4.6mm ; p<0.0001) and 22 male Marfan patients (81.5%) had an aortic root 340mm. Female athletes demonstrated a similar prevalence of aortic root dimension to female controls (26.1 ±3.3 mm vs 25.8±3.6; p03207). One female athlete (0.2%) had an aortic root 340mm compared to 0% female controls (p=1.000). Female Marfan patients had a higher prevalence of aortic root dilation than female athletes (36.8±4.7 mm vs 26.1±3.3mm; p<0.0001) and 17 female Marfan patients (73.9%) had an aortic root 334mm. On longitudinal follow up of 5 years, none of the athletes with aortic dilation alone required surgical intervention. Conclusion: Athletes exhibited a similar prevalence of aortic root dilation to healthy controls and there is no statistically significant evidence to suggest aortic root dilation is a feature of 'athlete's heart'. However, Marfan's patients were found to have a far greater proportion of pathologically wide aortic of 340mm. The study would benefit from further longitudinal evaluation.