Aortic Distensibility in B-Thalassemia Major

Background: Any unfavorable effect of B-Thalassemia major on aortic distensibility will contribute to the adverse effects of B-Thalassemia major on the cardiovascular system. To evaluated aortic distensibility in patients with B-Thalassemia major. Patients and Methods: The study comprised eighty (46 males) consecutive B-Thalassemia major patients and 80 control subjects matched for age and gender were selected. Results: Aortic distensibility was approximately two-fold lower in patients compared with control subjects [aortic distensibility: 1.4 ± 0.8 vs 3.6 ± 1.2, cm2 dyn-1 10-6, P = 0.01). Conclusion:: B-Thalassemia major causes significant decrease in aortic distensibility.