Novel Measurement of Relative Aortic Size Predicts Rupture of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Optimal operative decision making in thoracic aortic aneurysms requires accurate information on the risk of complications during expectant management. Cumulative and yearly risks of rupture, dissection, and death before operative repair increase with increasing aortic size, but previous work has not addressed the impact of relative aortic size on complication rates.Our institutional database contains data on 805 patients followed up serially...