Aortic Distensibility in beta-Thalassemia Major

Background: Any unfavorable effect of beta-Thalassemia major on aortic distensibility will contribute to the adverse effects of beta-Thalassemia major on the cardiovascular system. To evaluated aortic distensibility in patients with beta-Thalassemia major. Patients and Methods: The study comprised eighty (46 males) consecutive beta-Thalassemia major patients and 80 control subjects matched for age and gender were selected. Results: Aortic distensibility was approximately two-fold lower in patients compared with control subjects [aortic distensibility: 1.4 +/- 0.8 vs 3.6 +/- 1.2, cm(2) dyn(-1) 10(-6), P = 0.01). Conclusion: beta-Thalassemia major causes significant decrease in aortic distensibility.