Decreased aortic root elasticity-as a novel systemic manifestation of the pseudoexfoliation syndrome: an observational study

Objective: To assess the aortic root function in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS). Methods: In this case- controlled observational study, aortic root function in 31 PEXS patients (mean age 71±9 years) and 29 controls of similar ages (mean age 69±9 years) were evaluated by M-mode transthoracic echocardiography. Aortic cross-sectional compliance (CSC), Peterson’s elastic modulus (index beta), aortic stiffness index (ASI) and aortic root distensibility (ARD) were calculated by M-mode echocardiography to evaluate the aortic root function. The findings of two groups of patients were compared by Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The CSC and ARD were significantly decreased in patients with PEXS. The CSC was 12.2±6.3 cm2/mmHg in patients with PEXS and 17.5±11.6 cm2/mmHg in the control group (p=0.015). The ARD was 1.56±0.80 cm2/dyne in patients with PEXS and 2.23±1.48 cm2/dyne in the control group (p=0.021). The other two indices of aortic root function were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Aortic root function decreases in patients with PEXS. PEXS may be regarded as a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.