Familial Patterns of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.

Rupture of thoracic aortic aneurysms and/or dissections is not rare, occurring in approximately 0.6% of all medicolegal autopsies. Most forensic pathologists are aware of the association between thoracic aortic aneurysms/dissections and trauma, atherosclerosis, inflammation and Marfan syndrome. In this report, we discuss a familial form of thoracic aortic dilatation and/or dissection that is di...

Transforming growth factor β2 mutations and familial thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

The true incidence and mortality rate of TAAs is not known. A population-based study reported an incidence of 5.9 new aneurysms per 100,000 person-years in a Midwestern community over a 30-year period with median ages of 65 years for men and 77 years for women. 51% of aneurysms were in the ascending aorta, 11% in the arch and 38% in the descending thoracic aorta. Prevalence may be at least 3-4 ...

Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Aneurysms of the aorta are at times evaluated and treated by physicians from a number of specialties. Indeed, whereas cardiac surgeons operate on the ascending aorta and arch and vascular surgeons manage abdominal aortic aneurysms, at present the responsibility often falls to cardiologists to oversee the medical care of patients with aortic disease of all types. However, although formally train...

Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a potentially life-threatening condition that involves a structural weakness of the aortic wall, which can lead to aneurysm, rupture, or dissection. Optimal treatment strategies for lesions of the thoracic aorta are still controversial. Open surgery is complex and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular stenting has emerged as an altern...