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deep dive in page 2022 Last updated July 2024

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Bottom line: Heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD) accounts for 20-25% of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. Most individuals with HTAD do not have additional associated features (non-syndromic). HTAD presents at a younger age and is more aggressive than other thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA). Appropriate recognition of HTAD allows initiation of imaging surveillance in at-risk relatives. Genetic testing should be offered to individuals with TAA who have at least one of the following red flags:

  • Thoracic aortic dilation reported on imaging as mild or greater, at age <50y or <60y in the absence of hypertension
  • Thoracic aortic dissection at age <60y or <70y in the absence of hypertension
  • Positive family history
  • Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a HTAD gene identified in a relative
  • Syndromic features e.g. features of Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
  • Identification of a genetic etiology can help guide pharmacotherapy, determine vascular regions which require ongoing imaging surveillance, and influence surgical thresholds as these are lower for HTAD versus degenerative type aneurysms.
  • An uninformative (negative) genetic test result does not exclude HTAD and at-risk relatives would still need ongoing imaging surveillance.
  • Pharmacological management for those with TAA may include:
    • beta-blockers or angiotensin receptor blockers to limit aneurysmal dilation.
    • avoidance of medications and recreational drugs with potential vasoactive effect (e.g. triptans, cocaine).  
  • Fluoroquinolones should be avoided where possible in anyone with or at risk for aortic aneurysms of any type because of the associated increased risk of aortic dissection.
  • Participation in competitive sports and isometric exercises are advised against.


Key definitions

What is heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD)?

Who to consider referring for a genetic assessment?

How do I refer my patient?

What does the genetic test result mean?

How will genetic testing help me and my patient?

Are there harms or limitations of genetic testing?

Surveillance and Management

What about abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

Resources

References

 

Authors: J Richer MD FCCMG FRCPC, JC Carroll MD CCFP, JE Allanson MD FRCPC, S Walji MD CCFP MPH, S Morrison MS CGC

 

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