Open Descending and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Repairs in Patients Younger Than 50 Years Old

The purpose of this study was to redefine indications of open descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the younger population.

Between 1991 and 2017, 2012 patients undergoing descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair at our institution were divided into 2 groups for comparison: younger (<50 years; 276 [14%]) and older (≥50 years; 1736 [86%]). Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.

Younger patients had significantly more heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD; 53% vs 9%, P < .001) and chronic dissections (64% vs 26%, P < .001) and fewer comorbidities. The younger cohort underwent more extent II repairs (28% vs 15%, P < .001). Operative mortality was significantly lower in younger patients (6% vs 17%, P < .001). Significant disabling complications (composite of operative mortality, paraplegia/paraparesis, stroke, and dialysis) were seen in 17% of the younger patients and in 40% of older patients 40% (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, extent of repair and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independent predictors for significant disabling complications in the younger cohort. Additional aortic interventions were required in 12% in the younger group and in 4% in the older group (P < .001), and nearly one-third were in the treated segment (ie, treatment failure) in both groups. Younger patients requiring additional reintervention had significantly higher incidence of HTAD (66% vs 9%, P < .001). Survival rate was significantly higher in the younger patient group, with a 10-year survival rate of 74.6% ± 2.9% vs 40.7% ± 1.3% (log-rank P < .001).

Patients younger than 50 years with descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm have low surgical risks, and open repairs can be performed with excellent short-term and durable long-term results. Open surgical repairs should be considered initially in younger patients requiring descending and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs. HTAD warrants closer postoperative surveillance.