Predictor Analysis for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in Small Aortic Diameters

Background: The risk for acute aortic dissection (AAD) increases with ascending aortic diameter especially above a cut-off of 60 mm. Therefore, ESC/EACTS guidelines recommend prophylactic replacement of the ascending aorta from a diameter of 55 mm. However, 60% of AAD occur at small aortic diameters (defined as maximum diameter of ascending aorta / aortic root < 55 mm). To identify patients at risk, we sought to evaluate predictors for AAD in patients with aortic diameters < 55 mm.