Trial finds link between OSA, aortic diameter

In explaining why these results differed from previous studies, Dr. Kwon said the study populations or their characteristics may be the cause, or that MRI-based measures of aortic properties have not been extensively studied before. “This is probably the first study to look at an unselected population, use a large sample size that was ethnically diverse, and use cardiac MRI technology,” he said.

Limitations he noted were the study’s cross-sectional nature and its small population of patients with enlarged thoracic aorta size, which left it underpowered to evaluate that population.

Dr. Kwon reported having no financial relationships.

SOURCE: Kwon Y et al. SLEEP 2018, Abstract #0465.