Evaluation of ascending aorta elasticity properties and left atrial volume indexes in preeclampsia patients

Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with long term cardiovascular function impairments in women. The aim of the study was to evaluate the left atrial volume (LAV) indexes and ascending aortic stiffness parameters in PE patients, and we aimed to evaluate any association between these two parameters. A total of 50 PE patients and 39 healthy pregnant controls (HP) were enrolled in this single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study. Aorta (Ao) diameters, Ao compliance, Ao M-Mode strain, Ao distensibility, Ao stiffness index, and Peterson's elastic modulus (Pa) parameters were measured and calculated besides LAV indexes. AoD, AoS, and Ao strain were signicantly higher in PE group (p<0.05 for all), while the Ao stiffness index was lower (p:0.009). LVMI, mitral E, mitral A, mitral E/Em, deceleration time, and myocardial performance index were signicantly higher in the PE group (p<0.05 for all). LA maximum LAV index (LAVImax), minimum LAV index (LAVImin), and presystolic LAV index (LAVIp) were higher in the PE group compared with the HP group (p<0.001 for all). Ao Strain value was positively correlated with LAVImax (r:0.254, p:0.016), LAVImin (r:0.385, p:0.001), and LAVIp (r:0.265, p:0.011). Aortic strain, aortic stiffness index, and LAV indexes were impaired in hospitalized PE patients. There was an association between the Ao strain, Ao stiffness index, and LAV indexes.