Impact of beta-blocker therapy on thoracic aorta 3D wall shear stress in patients with bicuspid aortic valve

Background Beta-blockers are the recommended medical treatment for slowing ascending aorta (AAo) dilation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Wall shear stress (WSS) has been shown to promote endothelial cell dysfunction [1] and AAo WSS may play a role in aortic aneurysm growth. Time-resolved 3D phase contrast (4D flow) MRI allows for the quantification of 3D WSS regionally in the thoracic aorta. The aim of this study was to assess changes in thoracic aorta WSS associated with b-blocker therapy in BAV patients.