Magnetic resonance imaging-based hemodynamic wall shear stress alters aortic wall tissue biomechanics in bicuspid aortic valve patients.

Objective: In this study we aimed to conclusively determine whether altered aortic biomechanics are associated with wall shear stress (WSS) independent of region of tissue collection. Elevated WSS in the ascending aorta of patients with bicuspid aortic valve has been shown to contribute to local maladaptive aortic remodeling and might alter biomechanics.

Methods: Preoperative 4-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 22 patients who underwent prophylactic aortic root and/or ascending aorta replacement.