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Aortic Index Formula:
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The Aortic Index is a measurement that indexes aortic root diameter to body surface area (BSA). It provides a standardized assessment of aortic size that accounts for patient body size, allowing for more accurate comparisons across different individuals.
The calculator uses the Aortic Index formula:
Where:
Explanation: This calculation normalizes aortic dimensions to body size, providing a more clinically relevant measurement than absolute aortic diameter alone.
Details: Indexing aortic dimensions to BSA is crucial for accurate assessment of aortic dilation, monitoring patients with aortic pathologies, and determining appropriate timing for surgical intervention in conditions like Marfan syndrome or bicuspid aortic valve.
Tips: Enter aortic diameter in centimeters and BSA in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers. Aortic diameter is typically measured at the sinuses of Valsalva using echocardiography or CT imaging.
Q1: Why index aortic diameter to BSA?
A: Indexing to BSA accounts for body size variations, providing a more accurate assessment of whether an aorta is truly dilated for a given patient's stature.
Q2: What are normal Aortic Index values?
A: Normal values typically range from 1.5-2.1 cm/m², though reference ranges may vary by population and measurement technique.
Q3: How is BSA calculated?
A: BSA is commonly calculated using formulas like Du Bois, Mosteller, or Haycock, based on height and weight measurements.
Q4: When is aortic indexing particularly important?
A: Especially important in pediatric patients, athletes, and individuals with extreme body habitus where absolute aortic measurements may be misleading.
Q5: What are clinical implications of elevated Aortic Index?
A: Elevated values may indicate aortic dilation or aneurysm, requiring closer monitoring and potentially surgical intervention depending on the underlying condition and rate of progression.