Dissection dimensions differ: Global variability in ascending aortic size challenges universal surgical thresholds

Current surgical thresholds for ascending aortic replacement are derived from Western, male-predominant populations. Whether these thresholds apply across diverse ethnic and geographic groups remains uncertain. We evaluated global and sex-specific variability in ascending aortic dimensions at the time of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).

We retrospectively analyzed 1388 surgically treated ATAAD patients from 4 international cohorts: Netherlands (n = 500), United States (n = 382), Austria (n = 435), and India (n = 71). Ascending aortic diameters were measured on preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, body surface area, hypertension, and diabetes.

Age at dissection differed markedly by region, with Indian patients presenting more than a decade earlier than Western cohorts (48.5 years vs ∼63 years). Women presented later than men (68 years vs 59 years; P < .001) but had smaller ascending aortic diameters (mean, 46.0 ± 9.8 mm vs 48.4 ± 10.6 mm; P < .001). Country of origin independently predicted aortic size; compared with Dutch patients, Indian (B = +7.09 mm; P < .001), American (B = +3.11 mm; P < .001), and Austrian (B = +2.42 mm; P < .001) cohorts had larger diameters. Only 19.5% dissected at diameters ≥55 mm, while 39.7% presented between 45 and 54 mm. Because acute dissection may transiently enlarge the aortic lumen, measured diameters likely overestimate predissection size.

Ascending aortic dimensions at ATAAD vary substantially by sex and geographic origin. Most dissections occur below current surgical thresholds, indicating that absolute diameter alone inadequately defines risk. These findings challenge the universality of fixed cut-offs and support the need for population- and sex-specific approaches to aortic risk assessment.