Biomechanics in ascending aortic aneurysms correlate with tissue composition and strength

Both low strain modulus (LTM) and transition zone onset stress (TZo) are correlated with proteoglycan content and elastin content. Reduced TZo was correlated with increased elastin fragmentation. These 2 biomechanical parameters occur under physiologic stress and can provide the necessary link between the ex vivo and in vivo avenues of research into the pathogenesis and risk stratification of aortic disease. LTM, low-strain tangential modulus; TZo, stress at onset of transition zone.