Aortic enlargement and coronary artery calcification in a general population cohort.

AIMS: The role of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of aortic enlargement is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the diameters of the ascending, descending and abdominal aorta, and coronary artery calcification. METHODS AND RESULTS: Individuals in the Copenhagen General Population Study underwent thoracic and abdominal computed tomography. Maximal aortic diameters were measured in each aortic segment and coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) were calculated. Participants were stratified into five predefined groups according to CACSs and compared to aortic dimensions. The relation between aortic diameter and CACS was adjusted for risk factors for aortic dilatation in a multivariable model. A total of 2678 eligible individuals were included. In all segments of the aorta, aortic diameter was associated to CACSs, with mean increases in aortic diameters ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 mm in individuals with calcified coronary arteries compared to non-calcified subjects (P-value < 0.001). After correction for risk factors, individuals with CACS above 400 had larger ascending, descending and abdominal aortic diameter than the non-calcified reference group (P-value < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Enlarged thoracic and abdominal aortic vascular segments are associated with co-existing coronary artery calcification in the general population.

Normal values of aortic dimensions assessed by multidetector computed tomography in the Copenhagen General Population Study.

AIMS: Accurate assessment of aortic dimensions can be achieved using contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The aim of this study was to define normal values and determinants of aortic dimensions throughout multiple key anatomical landmarks of the aorta in healthy individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study group consisted of 902 healthy subjects selected from 3000 adults undergoing cardiovascular thoracic and abdominal computed tomography-angiography (CTA), where systematic measurements of aortic dimensions were performed retrospectively. Individuals included were without any of the following predefined cardiovascular risk factors: (i) self-reported angina pectoris; (ii) hypertension; (iii) hypercholesterolaemia; (iv) taking cardiovascular prescribed medication including diuretics, statins, or aspirin; (v) overweight (defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2); (vi) diabetes mellitus (self-reported or blood glucose >8 mmol/L); and (vii) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Maximal aortic diameters were measured at seven aortic regions: sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, ascending aorta, mid-descending aorta, abdominal aorta at the diaphragm, abdominal aorta at the coeliac trunk, and infrarenal abdominal aorta. Median age was 52 years, and 396 (40%) were men. Men had significantly larger aortic diameters at all levels compared with women (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that sex, age, and body surface area were associated with increasing aortic dimensions. CONCLUSION: Normal values of maximal aortic dimensions at key aortic anatomical locations by contrast-enhanced CTA have been defined. Age, sex, and body surface area were significantly associated with these measures at all levels of aorta. Aortic dimensions follow an almost identical pattern throughout the vessel regardless of sex.

[A three-day course can increase knowledge and interest in disaster medicine for medical students]. / Medicinstuderendes viden om og interesse for katastrofemedicin kan øges med et tredages kursus.

The incidence of disasters increases and the need for physicians with an interest in disaster medicine is essential. As an early introduction of disaster medicine, medical students from Denmark, members of the Students' Society for Anesthesiology and Traumatology, participated on a three-day course, Trauma Days 2013, with full-scale simulations. The students underwent debriefings and questionnaires were handed out. 94% of the students increased their interest in disaster medicine.

[A three-day course can increase knowledge and interest in disaster medicine for medical students]. / Medicinstuderendes viden om og interesse for katastrofemedicin kan øges med et tredages kursus.

The incidence of disasters increases and the need for physicians with an interest in disaster medicine is essential. As an early introduction of disaster medicine, medical students from Denmark, members of the Students' Society for Anesthesiology and Traumatology, participated on a three-day course, Trauma Days 2013, with full-scale simulations. The students underwent debriefings and questionnaires were handed out. 94% of the students increased their interest in disaster medicine.