Purpose: Heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in the ACTA2 gene confer a high risk for thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. This retrospective multicenter study elucidates the clinical outcome of ACTA2-related vasculopathies.
Methods: Index patients and relatives with a P/LP variant in ACTA2 were included. Data were collected through retrospective review of medical records using a standardized questionnaire.
Results: A total of 49 individuals from 28 families participated in our study. In total, 20 different ACTA2 variants were detected. Aortic events occurred in 65% of the cases (78.6% index patients and 47.6% relatives). Male sex and hypertension emerged as significantly associated with aortic events. Of 20 individuals, 5 had an aortic diameter of <45 mm (1.77 inches) at the time of the type A dissection. Mean age at first aortic event was 49.0 ± 12.4 years. Severe surgical complications for type A and type B dissection occurred in 25% and 16.7% of the cases and in-hospital mortality rates were 9.5% and 0%, respectively.
Conclusion: P/LP ACTA2 variants are associated with an increased risk for an aortic event and age-related penetrance, which emphasizes the importance of early recognition of the disease. Caregivers should be aware of the risk for aortic dissections, even in individuals with aortic diameters within the normal range.
Keywords: Aortic dissection; Smooth muscle α-actin; Thoracic aortic aneurysm.
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