Statistical Analysis
As to continuous data, they are expressed as mean values ± standard
deviation (SD) if they meet normal distribution. If not, their median
and inter-quartile ranges are described. All data were compared by
Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test whenever appropriate. On the
other hand, categorical data were presented as percentages and compared
by chi-square or Fisher exact test. Univariate and multivariate
regression analyses were used to identify clinical variables that were
associated with aortic cusp bending. JMP ver12.0 (SAS Institute, Cary,
USA) was used for statistical analyses. A p value of < 0.05
was considered statistically significant.