Is Emilin-1 a molecular link contributing to the extension of thoracic aortic aneurysm dissection and increasing the magnitude of the associated hypertension

Patients with acute aortic dissection, the dominant condition in acute aortic syndromes, have a high mortality [1]. Within types of thoracic aortic dissection, the more extensive the TAD the worse the prognosis [2]. Thus, factors influencing the extent of the TAD are important considerations. The initial presentation of acute aortic dissection is severe chest pain and hypertension. The presence of hypertension is a key element of thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) [3]. The hypertension in acute aortic syndromes is often severe and difficult to treat. From another perspective, a significant proportion of patients presenting to the emergency department with hypertensive crisis with severe blood pressure elevations have an aortic dissection [4].