Aortic and Cerebral Aneurysms: Link With Genetic Predisposition, Risk Factors, and Aortopathies

Abstract

Routine cardiology practice includes diagnostic algorithms for thoracic aortic aneurysm detection at varying degrees of clinical significance. Standard procedures for evaluation and follow up involve screening for standard atherosclerotic risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking history and family history without genetic testing, as well as cardiac imaging techniques, such as echocardiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. According to the latest reports, thoracic aortic aneurysms can present concomitantly with intracranial aneurysms, although the exact etiopathogenic mechanisms are not yet known. There is evidence that connects these two conditions with genetic predisposition, risk factors, and aortopathies. Routine practice does not include screening for other aneurysm locations. This review will highlight existing knowledge in this area and the need for further investigations.