The predictive capability of aortic stiffness index for aortic dissection among dilated ascending aortas.

Objective: We created a finite element model to predict the probability of dissection based on imaging-derived aortic stiffness and investigated the link between stiffness and wall tensile stress using our model.

Methods: Transthoracic echocardiogram measurements were used to calculate aortic diameter change over the cardiac cycle. Aortic stiffness index was subsequently calculated based on diameter change and blood pressure.