Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life following Acute Type A Aortic Dissection with a Focus on Male-Female Differences: A Cross Sectional Study.

Objectives: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular emergency, of which the long-term impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and male-female-specific insights remain inadequately clarified. Methods: Consecutive adult ATAAD patients who underwent surgery were retrospectively included between 2007 and 2017 in four referral centers in the Netherlands, and baseline data were collected. The 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) Health Survey was sent to all survivors between 2019 and 2021 and compared to validated SF-36 scores of the Dutch general population stratified by age group and sex. Results: In total, 324/555 surviving patients returned the SF-36 questionnaire (response rate 58%), of which 40.0% were female; the median follow-up was 6.5 years (range: 1.7-13.9, IQR: 4.0-9.4) after surgery for ATAAD. In comparison to the general population, ATAAD patients scored significantly lower on 6/8 SF-36 subdomains and higher on bodily pain. Differences in HRQoL domains compared to the sex-matched data were largely comparable between sexes, apart from bodily pain. In the age-matched subgroups impaired HRQoL was most pronounced in younger patients aged 41-60 (5/8 impaired domains). Female ATAAD patients scored significantly worse on 5/8 SF-36 subdomains and the physical component summary (PCS) scores than male patients. Age at ATAAD, female sex, hypertension, COPD, and prior thoracic aortic aneurysm were associated with worse PCS scores. Conclusions: Long-term HRQoL was impaired in both male and female ATAAD patients when compared to the general population. Further studies on the nature of this impairment and on interventions to improve HRQoL after ATAAD are clearly warranted, with special attention to females and younger patients.

Male-Female Differences in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Acute type B aortic dissection is a cardiovascular emergency with considerable mortality and morbidity risk. Male-female differences have been observed in cardiovascular disease; however, literature on type B aortic dissection is scarce. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all consecutive patients with acute type B aortic dissection between 2007 and 2017 in 4 tertiary hospitals using patient files and questionnaires for late morbidity. In total, 384 patients were included with a follow-up of 6.1 (range, 0.02-14.8) years, of which 41% (n=156) were female. Women presented at an older age than men (67 [interquartile range (IQR), 57-73] versus 62 [IQR, 52-71]; P=0.015). Prior abdominal aortic aneurysm (6% versus 15%; P=0.009), distally extending dissections (71 versus 85%; P=0.001), and clinical malperfusion (18% versus 32%; P=0.002) were less frequently observed in women. Absolute maximal descending aortic diameters were smaller in women (36 [IQR: 33-40] mm versus 39 [IQR, 36-43] mm; P<0.001), while indexed for body surface area diameters were larger in women (20 [IQR, 18-23] mm/m2 versus 19 [IQR, 17-21] mm/m2). No male-female differences were found in treatment choice; however, indications for invasive treatment were different (P<0.001). Early mortality rate was 9.6% in women and 11.8% in men (P=0.60). The 5-year survival was 83% (95% CI, 77-89) for women and 84% (95% CI, 79-89) for men (P=0.90). No male-female differences were observed in late (re)interventions. CONCLUSIONS: No male-female differences were found in management, early or late death, and morbidity in patients presenting with acute type B aortic dissection, despite distinct clinical profiles at presentation. More details on the impact of age and type of intervention are warranted in future studies.

Male-female differences in contemporary elective ascending aortic surgery: insights from the Netherlands Heart Registration.

Background: Scientific research regarding male-female differences in ascending aortic surgery is scarce. The objective of this study was to identify male-female differences in presentation, treatment and peri-operative outcome in elective ascending aortic surgery. Methods: Elective ascending aortic surgery procedures that took place in the Netherlands between 01/01/2013-31/12/2017 were identified from the Netherlands Heart Registration. Male-female differences in presentation, treatment characteristics, and in-hospital mortality and morbidity were explored. Results: The study population consisted of 887 females (31%) and 1,972 males (69%). Females were older (median age 67 versus 62 years, P<0.001), more often had chronic lung disease (12.3% versus 9.1%, P=0.011), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV (21.5% versus 15.5%, P=0.003), and less often a history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (3.2% versus 5.0%, P=0.033). Isolated supracoronary aortic replacement was performed in 47.7% of females versus 30.6% of males (P<0.001), and ascending aorta with root replacement in 40.6% of females versus 56.7% of males (P<0.001). Females more often underwent concomitant interventions of the aortic arch (33.1% versus 20.2%, P<0.001) and the mitral valve (8.2% versus 5.2%, P=0.002), and less often concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (14.4% versus 19.1%, P=0.002). Overall, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in females (5.1% versus 2.7%, P=0.003). In multivariable regression analysis, being female was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-2.37]. Conclusions: This nation-wide cohort shows clear differences between females and males in patient presentation, procedural characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and risk factors for in-hospital mortality in elective ascending aortic surgery. Further exploration of these differences, and of modifiable within-male and within-female risk factors, may offer great opportunities in improving treatment and thereby outcomes for both males and females.

Circulating biomarkers associated with aortic diameter in male and female patients with thoracic aortic disease: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: As thoracic aortic disease (TAD) is generally asymptomatic, biomarkers are needed to provide insight into early progression. We aimed to examine the association between circulating blood biomarkers and the maximal thoracic aortic diameter (TADmax). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive adult patients with a thoracic aortic diameter ≥40 mm and/or genetically proven hereditary TAD (HTAD) visiting our specialised outpatient clinic between 2017 and 2020 were prospectively included. Venous blood sampling and CT angiography and/or transthoracic echocardiography of the aorta were performed. Linear regression analyses were performed and estimates were presented as mean difference in TADmax in mm per doubling of standardised biomarker level. RESULTS: In total, 158 patients were included (median age 61 (50.3-68.8) years, 37.3% female). HTAD diagnosis was confirmed in 36 of 158 (22.7%) patients. TADmax was 43.9±5.2 mm in men vs 41.9±5.1 in women (p=0.030). In unadjusted analysis, significant associations with TADmax were found for interleukin-6 (1.15 (95% CI 0.33 to 1.96), p=0.006), growth differentiation factor-15 (1.01 (95% CI 0.18 to 1.84), p=0.018), microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) (-0.88 (95% CI -1.71 to 0.05), p=0.039) and triiodothyronine (T3) (-2.00 (95%CI -3.01 to 0.99), p<0.001). The association of MFAP4 with TADmax was stronger in women (p for interaction=0.020) and for homocysteine, an inverse association with TADmax was observed when compared with men (p for interaction=0.008). When adjusted for age, sex, hyperlipidaemia and HTAD, total cholesterol (1.10 (95% CI 0.27 to 1.93), p=0.010) and T3 (-1.20 (95% CI -2.14 to 0.25), p=0.014) were significantly associated with TADmax. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating biomarkers indicative of inflammation, lipid metabolism and thyroid function might be associated with TAD severity. Possible distinct biomarker patterns for men and women warrant further investigation.

Long Term Health Related Quality of Life After Acute Type B Aortic Dissection: a Cross Sectional Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: Acute type B aortic dissection (ATBD) is a rare yet serious cardiovascular event that potentially has an impact on health related quality of life (HRQoL). However, long term follow up data on this topic are scarce. This study aimed to review the long term HRQoL among patients treated for ATBD. METHODS: In this multicentre, cross sectional survey study, consecutive treated patients with ATBD between 2007 and 2017 in four referral centres in the Netherlands were retrospectively included and baseline data were collected. Between 2019 and 2021 the 36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was sent to all surviving patients (n = 263) and was compared with validated SF-36 scores in the Dutch general population stratified by age and sex. RESULTS: In total, 144 of 263 surviving patients completed the SF-36 (response rate 55%). Median (IQR) age was 68 (61, 76) years at completion of the questionnaire, and 40% (n = 58) were female. Initial treatment was medical in 55% (n = 79), endovascular in 41% (n = 59), and surgical in 4% (n = 6) of ATBD patients. Median follow up time was 6.1 (range 1.7-13.9; IQR 4.0, 9.0) years. Compared with the general population, patients scored significantly worse on six of eight SF-36 subdomains, particularly physical domains. Apart from bodily pain, there were no substantial differences in HRQoL between male and female ATBD patients. Compared with sex matched normative data, females scored significantly worse on five of eight subdomains, whereas males scored significantly lower on six subdomains. Younger patients aged 41-60 years seemed more severely impaired in HRQoL compared with the age matched general population. Treatment strategy did not influence HRQoL outcomes. Follow up time was associated with better Physical and Mental Component Summary scores. CONCLUSION: Long term HRQoL was impaired in ATBD patients compared with the Dutch general population, especially regarding physical status. This warrants more attention for HRQoL during clinical follow up. Rehabilitation programmes including exercise and physical support might improve HRQoL and increase patients' health understanding.

Elective Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: No clear guidelines exist for performing preventive surgery for ascending aortic (AA) aneurysm in elderly patients. This study aims to provide insights by: (1) evaluating patient and procedural characteristics and (2) comparing early outcomes and long-term mortality after surgery between elderly and non-elderly patients. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective observational cohort-study was performed. Data was collected on patients who underwent elective AA surgery in three institutions (2006-2017). Clinical presentation, outcomes, and mortality were compared between elderly (≥70 years) and non-elderly patients. RESULTS: In total, 724 non-elderly and 231 elderly patients were operated upon. Elderly patients had larger aortic diameters (57.0 mm (IQR 53-63) vs. 53.0 mm (IQR 49-58), p < 0.001) and more cardiovascular risk factors at the time of surgery than non-elderly patients. Elderly females had significantly larger aortic diameters than elderly males (59.5 mm (55-65) vs. 56.0 mm (51-60), p < 0.001). Short-term mortality was comparable between elderly and non-elderly patients (3.0% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.16). Five-year survival was 93.9% in non-elderly patients and 81.4% in elderly patients (p < 0.001), which are both lower than that of the age-matched general Dutch population. CONCLUSION: This study showed that in elderly patients, a higher threshold exists to undergo surgery, especially in elderly females. Despite these differences, short-term outcomes were comparable between 'relatively healthy' elderly and non-elderly patients.

Novel biomarkers associated with thoracic aortic disease.

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers might help to improve diagnosis, surveillance and risk stratification of thoracic aortic disease (TAD). We explored the association between a broad spectrum of cardiovascular biomarkers with clinical characteristics and thoracic aortic diameter in TAD patients. METHODS: Venous blood-samples were obtained in 158 clinically stable TAD patients visiting our outpatient clinic (2017-2020). TAD was defined as a thoracic aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm, or genetic confirmation (hereditary TAD). The cardiovascular panel III of the Olink multiplex platform was used for batch analysis of 92 proteins. A comparison was made between biomarker levels in patients with and without previous aortic dissection and/or surgery, and with and without hereditary TAD. Linear regression analyses were applied to identify (relative, normalized) biomarker concentrations associated with the absolute thoracic aortic diameter (ADmax), and thoracic aortic diameter indexed for body surface area (IDmax). RESULTS: Median age of study patients was 61.0 (IQR 50.3-68.8) years, 37.3% females. Mean ADmax and IDmax were 43.3 ± 5.4 mm and 21.3 ± 3.3 mm/m2. After multivariable adjustment, Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) showed a significant positive association with ADmax and IDmax, respectively. Patients with previous aortic surgery/dissection had higher N-terminal-pro hormone BNP (NTproBNP) (median 3.67 [IQR 3.01-3.99] vs 2.84 [2.32-3.26], p ≤0.001). Patients with hereditary TAD had higher Trem-like transcript protein 2 (TLT-2) (median 4.64 [IQR 4.45-4.84]) than those with non-heriditary TAD (4.40 [4.17-4.64]; p = 0.00042). CONCLUSIONS: Among a broad range of biomarkers, MMP-3 and IGFBP-2 were associated with disease severity in TAD patients. The pathophysiological pathways uncovered by these biomarkers, and their potential clinical use warrants further research.

Male-Female Differences in Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Surgery: 25-Year Single Center Results.

The aim of this study was to improve insight into male-female differences in patients undergoing ascending aortic aneurysm surgery. Consecutive patients that underwent ascending aortic aneurysm surgery between January 1991-December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient and procedural characteristics, 30-day mortality, and survival were compared between male and female patients. Multivariable Cox-regression analysis was performed to explore differences in factors associated with long-term mortality. Of 631 included patients, 36% were female patients. They were older (66 (55.9-72.9) vs 56 (44.1-67.3) years, p < 0.001), had a higher logistic EuroSCORE (12 (8-17) vs 8 (5-12), p < 0.001), and underwent concomitant arch surgery more often (74% vs 54%, p < 0.001). Aortic diameter (5.5 (5.0.6.5) vs 5.5 (5.0-6.0) cm, p = 0.025) and Aortic Size Index (3.15 (2.80-3.65) vs 2.70 (2.42-3.00) cm/m2, p < 0.001) were larger in female patients. Early mortality was 0.9% in female patients and 2.0% in male patients (p = 0.51). Adjusted 15-year survival was comparable between male and female patients. Multivariable Cox-regression did not identify an independent association between female sex and mortality. In males a larger aortic diameter (HR1.38 per centimeter increase, 95%-CI 1.03-1.85, p = 0.003) was an independent factor associated with mortality, and in female patients a larger BSA (HR0.08 per 1kg/m2 increase, 95%-CI 0.01-0.49, p = 0.007) was an independent risk-reducing factor. Female patients presented at older age and with more advanced disease. Increased awareness for ascending aortic pathology and timely referral may result in better preoperative profiles in female patients. This may improve outcomes after ascending aortic aneurysm surgery.

Longitudinal changes of thoracic aortic diameters in the general population aged 55 years or older.

OBJECTIVE: Longitudinal data on age-related changes in the diameters of the thoracic aorta are scarce. To better understand normal variation and to identify factors influencing this process, we aimed to report male-female-specific and age-specific aortic growth rate in the ageing general population and identify factors associated with growth rate. METHODS: From the prospective population-based Rotterdam Study, 943 participants (52.0% females, median age at baseline 65 years (62-68)) underwent serial non-enhanced cardiac CT. We measured the diameters of the ascending (AA) and descending aorta (DA) at two time points and expressed absolute and relative differences. Linear mixed effects analysis was performed to identify determinants associated with change in aortic diameters. RESULTS: Mean AA diameter at baseline was 37.3±3.6 mm in male population and 34.7±3.2 mm in female population, mean DA diameter was 29.6±2.3 in male population and 26.9±2.2 mm in female population. The median absolute change in diameters during follow-up (mean scan interval 14.1±0.3 years) was 1 mm (0-2) for both the AA and DA. Absolute change per decade in AA diameter was significantly larger in males than in females (0.72 mm/decade (0.00-1.43) vs 0.70 mm/decade (0.00-1.41), p=0.006), as well as absolute change in AD diameter (0.71 mm/decade (0.00-1.42) vs 0.69 mm/decade (0.00-1.36), p=0.008). There was no significant difference between male and female population in relative change of their aortic diameters during follow-up. Age, male sex, higher body mass index (BMI) and higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed a statistically significant independent association with increase in AA and DA diameters over time. CONCLUSIONS: Some degree of increase in thoracic aortic diameters is typical in both men and women of an aging population. Factors associated with this change in thoracic aortic diameters were sex, age, BMI and DBP.

Male-female differences in acute thoracic aortic dissection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to systematically review published literature on male-female differences in presentation, management and outcomes in patients diagnosed with acute thoracic aortic dissection (AD). METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies published between 1 January 1999 and 19 October 2020 investigating mortality and morbidity in adult patients diagnosed with AD. Patient and treatment characteristics were compared with odds ratios (ORs) and standardized mean differences and a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed for early mortality. Overall survival and reoperation were visualized by pooled Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Nine studies investigating type A dissections (AD-A), 1 investigating type B dissections (AD-B) and 3 investigating both AD-A and AD-B were included encompassing 18 659 patients. Males were younger in both AD-A (P < 0.001) and AD-B (P < 0.001), and in AD-A patients males had more distally extended dissections [OR 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46-0.70; P < 0.001]. Longer operation times were observed for males in AD-A (standardized mean difference 0.29, 95% CI 0.17-0.41; P < 0.001) while male patients were less often treated conservatively in AD-B (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.58-0.72; P < 0.001). The pooled early mortality risk ratio for males versus females was 0.94 (95% CI 0.84-1.06, P = 0.308) in AD-A and 0.92 (95% CI 0.83-1.03, P = 0.143) in AD-B. Pooled overall mortality in AD-A showed no male-female difference, whereas male patients had more reinterventions during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review shows male-female differences in AD patient and treatment characteristics, comparable early and overall mortality and inconsistent outcome reporting. As published literature is scarce and heterogeneous, large prospective studies with standardized reporting of male-female characteristics and outcomes are clearly warranted. Improved knowledge of male-female differences in AD will help shape optimal individualized care for both males and females. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO, ID number: CRD42020155926.

Health-related quality of life and lived experiences in males and females with thoracic aortic disease and their partners.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic aortic disease (TAD) may have substantial impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We described HRQOL in patients with TAD, cardiovascular screening participants and their partners; identified factors associated with HRQOL; and explored lived experiences and feelings of anxiety or depression using a mixed methods design. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, all consecutive patients visiting the TAD outpatient clinic (2017-2019) at our centre were asked to complete three questionnaires: the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Rotterdam Disease Specific Questionnaire (RDSQ). A subsample was invited for in-depth interviews. RESULTS: In total, 261 participants were included: 147 patients with TAD (thoracic aortic diameter ≥40 mm; 54 females, 36.7%), 114 screening participants (cardiovascular family screening; 71 females, 62.3%) and 66 partners. Compared with the general population, patients with TAD showed markedly lower HRQOL, whereas screening participants' HRQOL was less impaired. Female and younger participants scored significantly lower on the SF-36 and HADS compared with male and older participants. Smaller aortic diameter was associated with better RDSQ score, and previous aortic surgery was associated with higher HADS depression scores. Furthermore, partners scored significantly lower on 2/8 SF-36 subdomains when compared with the general population. From 11 interviewees, determinants of psychological distress included coping strategies, impact on social and professional life, disease-related knowledge, state of aortic diameters and physical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals must be aware of HRQOL impairments in patients with TAD, particularly in younger females. Moreover, attention for partners is needed. Coping strategies and communication within the family were found to be important factors influencing psychological distress, and might be valuable leads for counselling and HRQOL improvement in this population.

Male-female differences in quality of life and coping style in patients with Marfan syndrome and hereditary thoracic aortic diseases.

Hereditary thoracic aortic diseases (HTAD) such as Marfan syndrome (MFS) affect multiple organ systems and provide a risk of acute aortic dissection, which causes lifelong uncertainties. Although health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was found to be reduced in HTAD patients, no studies have evaluated male-female-specific aspects of HRQOL and coping in this population. This study aims to evaluate HRQOL in HTAD patients compared to the general population; assess male-female differences in HRQOL and factors associated with HRQOL; evaluate coping styles in male and female HTAD patients and identify factors associated with acceptance. All consecutive adult patients who visited the specialized HTAD outpatient clinic between 2013 and 2018 were asked to complete three HRQOL questionnaires: the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Nijmegen Clinical Screening Instrument (NCSI). In total, 142 patients were included (mean age 42.1 years, 65 females, 123 MFS). Compared to the general population, HTAD patients scored significantly lower on multiple SF-36 sub-domains (males: General Health 54.5 ± 18.8 vs. 71.6 ± 20.6, p < .001; Vitality 58.3 ± 20.4 vs. 71.9 ± 18.3, p < .001; females: Physical Functioning 67.5 ± 23.8 vs. 80.4 ± 24.2, p = .003; Role Physical 58.3 ± 45.1 vs. 73.8 ± 38.5, p = .047; General Health 49.4 ± 24.3 vs. 69.9 ± 20.6, p < .001; Social Functioning 73.5 ± 22.0 vs. 82.0 ± 23.5, p = .027). Females scored significantly lower than males on the SF-36 physical component score (41.6 [IQR 35.5-53.1] vs. 49.3 [IQR 42.3-54.6], p = .035). Males scored significantly higher on the coping style denial than females (2.75 [IQR 2.00-3.25] vs. 2.25 [IQR 1.75-3.25], p = .018). High scores on acceptance were found in 38 (26.8%) of HTAD patients, and these patients showed significantly better scores on the NCSI, SF-36, and HADS, except on NCSI Satisfaction Relationships and SF-36 Physical Functioning and Mental Health. Acceptance was associated with more medication use (beta blocker use, p = .008; angiotensin receptor blocker use, p = .003) and less hypertension (p = .001). In patients with MFS, employment was strongly associated with better scores on the NCSI. In conclusion, HTAD patients showed subnormal HRQOL, especially females. Interestingly, in both males and females factors such as employment, coping style, and disease acceptance seem more important for HRQOL than disease-related factors. This highlights the importance of genetic counseling and guidance for HTAD patients, and offers valuable leads for HRQOL improvement.

Decision-Making in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery-Clinician and Patient View.

Treatment decision-making in thoracic aortic aneurysms of the ascending aorta is complex both with regard to the timing of surgery and with regard to the invasive treatment strategy. From a clinician perspective, it is seen as important to balance the risks of watchful waiting versus preventive surgery and to choose a surgical treatment strategy that will result in the lowest early and late event occurrence. The current clinical practice guidelines and reported outcomes after surgery suggest that there are many gray zones in determining the optimal timing and the type of intervention. From a patient perspective, quality of life and in particular minimization of anxiety and depression due to the fear of aortic rupture or the potential occurrence of complications related to the different treatment strategies are important to consider. Quality of life studies and evidence on the importance of patient participation in decision-making make a strong case for evidence-based shared treatment decision in this complex patient group.

Clinical and quality of life outcomes after aortic valve replacement and aortic root surgery in adult patients <65 years old.

Selecting the optimal surgical treatment strategy in patients below the age of 65 years (i.e., non-elderly patients) with aortic valve or aortic root disease remains challenging. The objective of the current study is to summarize contemporary research on clinical and quality of life outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR) and aortic root surgery in non-elderly patients. Recent systematic reviews on clinical outcome after biological and mechanical AVR, the Ross procedure and aortic root surgery show that event occurrence is considerable after any type of AVR or aortic root surgery and-with the exception of the Ross procedure-survival is suboptimal. Although thromboembolism and bleeding events are more common after mechanical AVR and root surgery, these events are also considerably present after biological AVR, the Ross procedure and valve-sparing aortic root surgery (VSRR). Similarly, reoperation is more common after biological AVR, the Ross procedure and VSRR, but also occurs frequently after mechanical AVR and root replacement. Published evidence in AVR patients points to the direction of better health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes with a biological solutions, while the HRQoL after aortic root surgery is limited and contradictory. This review illustrates that treatment for non-elderly aortic valve and aortic root disease patients needs to be tailored to the individual patient, considering both clinical and HRQoL outcomes as crucial factors to reach a treatment decision that best reflects the patient's values and goals in life.

Exercise and sports participation in patients with thoracic aortic disease: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines recommend patients with thoracic aortic disease (TAD) including inherited aortopathies to avoid heavy exercise. However, evidence supporting the negative advice on exercise is scarce. We aimed to provide an up-to-date systematic review of the available evidence on risks and benefits of exercise and sports participation in TAD patients. Areas covered: A systematic search was performed in Medline, Embase and Web of Science: thoracic aortic aneurysm or thoracic aortic dissection or inheritable aortopathies including Marfan Syndrome (MFS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and sports, exercise or athletes. The resulting 1,652 manuscripts were reviewed by two independent observers. Eventually, 26 studies and 12 case-reports were included, reporting on thoracic aortic dimensions in athletes, exercise related acute aortic dissections, and exercise in BAV and MFS patients. Expert opinion: Blood pressure elevation during exercise may be associated with an increased risk of acute aortic dissection; however, no controlled trials have longitudinally evaluated the effect of exercise on survival or the risk of aortic dissection in TAD patients. Mouse-model studies suggest beneficial effects of exercise in the setting of a dilated aorta in MFS. There is a clear need for prospective research in this field.

Measuring what matters to the patient: health related quality of life after aortic valve and thoracic aortic surgery.

With improved outcomes following cardiac surgery, health related quality of life (HRQoL) gains increasing importance for the better judgement of choosing the preferred treatment strategy in the individual patient. The physician perception of patient preferences can differ considerably from actual patient preferences, underlining the importance of gathering evidence of actual patient preferences before and quality of life after cardiac surgery. The objective of the current review is to provide an overview of current insights into the quality of life measurements after aortic valve and thoracic aortic surgery and to provide starting points for the application of HRQoL measurements toward the future. The amount and level of evidence on HRQoL outcomes after aortic valve and thoracic aortic surgery seems to be insufficient. Little has been investigated about the natural course of HRQoL after cardiac surgery, HRQoL outcomes between different surgical strategies, HRQoL outcomes between surgical patients and the general population, the different factors influencing HRQoL after cardiac surgery, and the effect of HRQoL on healthcare costs. More prospective studies should be performed, taking into account the knowledge gaps that need to be filled. Computerized adaptive testing methods through open source programs can be implemented to keep the burden to the patient as low as possible and catalyze the use of these tools. Our cardiovascular surgery community has the responsibility to deliberate how it can proceed to effectively fill in these knowledge gaps, and use this newfound knowledge to improve shared treatment decision making, patient outcomes, and ultimately optimize health care efficiency.