Is female sex impactful in the pathophysiology, presentation, management, and outlook of type A acute aortic dissection?

Abstract

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is the most common acute aortic syndrome. It is a life-threatening condition and surgical emergency associated with high mortality if not treated promptly. While it is well established that cardiovascular disease recognises different pathophysiological pathways between men and women, there is limited evidence of sex differences in AAS, especially in type A AAD. According to a recent synthesis of clinical studies on gender differences in type A AAD, women were found to have different baseline characteristics, presentation and outcomes, and thus sex should be considered relevant for diagnosis, risk-stratification and management of type A AAD.

Keywords: Acute aortic syndrome; Aortic dissection; Female; Gender; Sex.