Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) correlates with aortic stiffness in the thoracic aorta using ECG-gated multi-detector row computed tomography.

•CAVI is based on the theory of stiffness parameter β which is independent of BP.•We examine the correlation between CAVI and regional β, PWV in the thoracic aortas.•CAVI correlated with age, regional β and PWV in the thoracic aortas.•Excluding age, CAVI only correlated with regional β in the ascending thoracic aorta.•CAVI has a potential role in evaluating integrated arterial stiffness including that of central.