Genetic Disorders of the Thoracic Aorta and Indications for Surgery.

Genetic disorders of the aorta are rare but can lead to life-threatening thoracic aortic aneurysms. Although the genetic causes of many of these connective tissue diseases are well defined, others such as familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy are not. The natural history of genetic thoracic aortic aneurysms is not well understood or predictable, and surgical guidelines for treatment remain imprecise. Future research should strive to provide in-depth and detailed genetic profiling to drive clinical management, including medical and surgical therapies.