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

Kristina Selthofer-Relatic*; Luka Švitek; Nora Pušeljić; Željka Breškić Ćurić

doi:10.26332/seemedj.v3i1.91

Kristina Selthofer-Relatic* Department of Internal Medicine, General Medicine and History of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia; Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Centre Osijek, Croatia
Luka Švitek Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia
Nora Pušeljić Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia
Željka Breškić Ćurić Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital Vinkovci, Croatia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26332/seemedj.v3i1.91

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.

(Švitek L, Pušeljić N, Breškić Ćurić Ž, Selthofer-Relatić K. Aortic and Cerebral Aneurysms: Link with Genetic Predisposition, Risk Factors, and Aortopathies. SEEMEDJ 2019; 3(1); 29-41)

KEYWORDS: atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, genetics, inflammation, intracranial aneurysm