Genome-wide associations of aortic distensibility suggest causality for aortic aneurysms and brain white matter hyperintensities.

Aortic dimensions and distensibility are key risk factors for aortic aneurysms and dissections, as well as for other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. We present genome-wide associations of ascending and descending aortic distensibility and area derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of up to 32,590 Caucasian individuals in UK Biobank. We identify 102 loci (including 27 novel associations) tagging genes related to cardiovascular development, extracellular matrix production, smooth muscle cell contraction and heritable aortic diseases. Functional analyses highlight four signalling pathways associated with aortic distensibility (TGF-ß, IGF, VEGF and PDGF). We identify distinct sex-specific associations with aortic traits. We develop co-expression networks associated with aortic traits and apply phenome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR-PheWAS), generating evidence for a causal role for aortic distensibility in development of aortic aneurysms. Multivariable MR suggests a causal relationship between aortic distensibility and cerebral white matter hyperintensities, mechanistically linking aortic traits and brain small vessel disease.

Coarctation of the aorta: are genes relevant?

In a busy clinic, it is easy to overlook genetic aspects of congenital heart disease. The complexity of genetic influence on disease makes it difficult to provide clear, accurate advice about recurrence risks and genetics to individual patients. This is particularly true of coarctation of the aorta, which appears sporadic in the majority of cases. We will see that in fact, genetics can play an important role in coarctation. We will review the current state of knowledge about the genetics of coarctation, encompassing syndromic and non-syndromic presentations, and consider the implications for clinical practice.