Medical therapy of thoracic aortic aneurysms

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is a major health problem with multiple etiologies and potentially devastating consequences. Currently, no large randomized trial has shown that medical therapy can significantly slow or halt the progressive dilatation that eventually leads to dissection and rupture. A recent study that suggested that angiotensin receptor blocking agents slow the development of aneurysm dilatation in Marfan syndrome has revived interest in medical interventions to improve outcomes for patients with aortic aneurysm. In this article, we review the available data on established medical therapies and investigational medical therapies for thoracic aortic aneurysms.