Towards More Personalized Surgical Indications for Thoracic Aortic Dilatation: Are We There Yet?

Abstract

Thoracic aortic aneurysms remain an important cause of death in the general population. The key to improving patient prognosis with thoracic aortic dilatation lies in early identification and tailored management strategies. Advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of aneurysm formation, the natural history of disease, and clinical risk factors have led to significant improvements in patient management and overall outcomes. In the past decade, identification of the genetic basis of disease, together with wider availability of molecular testing, ushered in a new era for a tailored approach to the management of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms. In this viewpoint, we explore these various iterative steps and future challenges.