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Positive family history of aortic dissection dramatically increases dissection risk in family members

Wei-Guo Ma1, Alan S Chou2, Salvior C M Mok2

  • 1Aortic Institute at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Beijing Anzhen Hospital of Capital Medical University and Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China.

International Journal of Cardiology
|May 16, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Family history of aortic dissection (FHAD) significantly increases risk for relatives. Positive FHAD leads to earlier dissection, higher event rates, and greater annual probability of aortic dissection.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Family members of aortic dissection (AoD) patients are presumed at higher risk.
  • The prognostic value of family history of aortic dissection (FHAD) remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the increased risk of developing aortic dissection (AoD) among first-degree relatives with a positive FHAD.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 100 AoD patients for FHAD.
  • Comparison of age at dissection, exposure years, and annual AoD probability between patients with positive and negative FHAD.

Main Results:

  • Positive FHAD was identified in 32% of patients.
  • Patients with positive FHAD experienced dissection at a younger mean age (54.7 vs 62.4 years).
  • Annual AoD probability was 2.77 times higher in first-degree relatives with positive FHAD.

Conclusions:

  • A positive FHAD significantly elevates the risk of aortic dissection in family members.
  • Positive FHAD is associated with earlier onset and higher annual probability of AoD.
  • Early screening and intervention are crucial for relatives with a positive FHAD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Aortic dissectionExposureFamily historyIncidenceRisk factor

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