Aortic Heart
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This article defines the 'aortic heart,' a radiological concept describing the specific cardiac silhouette resulting from aortic diseases and hypertension. It details the characteristic changes in heart shape and position, such as a transversely elongated long axis and prominent aortic arches.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
AORTAL HEART, a concept created by radiology, defines the configuration of the cardiac silhouette [in dorsoventral radiography, orthography (see) or a film], characteristic of those changes in the heart which result from diseases of the aorta and hypertensive states - atherosclerosis, aortitis, insufficiency of the aortic valves, essential and nephrogenic hypertension. A. h. are characterized by the following features: the long axis of the heart is increased and located more transversely; the apex of the heart is rounded; the upper right arch, i.e. the arch of the ascending aorta, and the upper left arch, i.e. the arch of the aortic arch, protrude more strongly; the angle between the large vessels on the left and the arch of the left ventricle is reduced. A high position of the diaphragm usually also contributes to the transverse position of the long axis of the heart in these cases. Aortic heart is compared with the figure of a floating duck ("Entenherz").
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Cite this page
“Aortic Heart.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/aortic-heart/