Aortic Aneurysm Surveillance: New Data Refines Check-Up Intervals
ANN ARBOR, MI - A comprehensive meta-analysis of 85 studies published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2025 is prompting a re-evaluation of how frequently patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms should be monitored. the research,led by Dr. Matthew Henry of the University of Michigan, demonstrates that aneurysm growth rates vary significantly based on the underlying cause, directly impacting optimal surveillance strategies.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms ofen present without symptoms but carry a risk of potentially fatal rupture.Dr. Henry and his team categorized patients into three groups – those with hereditary aortic disease, those with bicuspid aortic valve disease, and those with sporadic aneurysms – to determine which characteristics correlate with faster aneurysm growth. The analysis included data from ten studies on hereditary syndromes, 31 on bicuspid valve disease, and 34 on sporadic cases.
The study revealed substantial differences in annual growth rates.Aneurysms associated with genetic syndromes grew, on average, 0.25 mm per year, while those linked to Marfan syndrome expanded at 0.45 mm/year, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome at 0.81 mm/year. Patients with bicuspid aortic valves experienced growth of 0.37 mm/year before surgery and 0.18 mm/year afterward.Sporadic aneurysms of the ascending aorta grew at 0.33 mm/year, but those affecting the descending aorta exhibited a significantly faster rate of 2.71 mm/year.
based on these findings,the authors suggest that asymptomatic patients without concerning morphological changes may require check-ups only every two to three years. However, individuals with Marfan or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, or those with aneurysms in the descending aorta, should be monitored more frequently due to their increased risk of rapid enlargement. The research underscores the importance of tailoring surveillance intervals to individual patient risk profiles.
Source: Henry M et al.J Am Heart Assoc 2025; 14: e038821; https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.038821
