Ascending aorta is the extension beyond the aortic valve, and it gives branches to various organs including brain and distal body. Normally ascending aorta is smaller than 3 cm in diameter, but sometimes it is bigger in dimensions and need regular follow-up and surgical consultation. Research suggests that ascending aorta>6 cm is an independent risk factor for the aortic rupture and related complications1. This cut off is not reliable as many patients present with aortic dissection and rupture even when aortic dimensions are small (figure 1).
Reference:
1. Harky A, Bashir M et al. Size and dissection: what is the relation? Indian Journal Thorac and Cardiovasc Surg. 2019;35(2):572-578.
2. Price et al. Long-term outcomes of aortic root operations for Marfan syndrome: A comparison of Bentall versus aortic valve-sparing procedures. JTCVS. 2016 Feb;151(2):330-6.
3. Shrestha et al. Elective David I Procedure Has Excellent Long-Term Results: 20-Year Single-Center Experience.
Ann Thorac Surg 2018;105:731–8).