Endothelial function and plasma matrix metalloproteinase‐2 levels and their association with the size and elastic properties of the ascending aorta in first‐degree relatives of bicuspid aortic valve patients

Purpose To explore endothelial function and plasma matrix metalloproteinase‐2 levels and their association with the size and elastic properties of the ascending aorta in the first‐degree relatives (FDRs) with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) of individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). Methods Twenty‐six patients with BAV without significant valvular dysfunction, 35 FDRs with TAV, and 29 matched healthy controls were analyzed. Two‐dimensional echocardiography and high‐resolution ultrasound were applied to evaluate the size and elasticity of the ascending aorta and the flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in response to hyperemia. Results The aortic diameter was larger in the BAV patients than in the FDRs and controls, and the aortic elastic properties showed larger decreases in the BAV patients. The FDRs had a larger aortic diameter and more impaired elastic properties than the controls. The BAV patients had a significantly lower FMD than the FDRs and controls (P