Unknown

Dataset Information

0

Evaluating the Feasibility of Screening Relatives of Patients Affected by Nonsyndromic Thoracic Aortic Diseases: The REST Study.


ABSTRACT: Background Diseases of the thoracic aorta are characterized by a familial etiology in up to 30% of the cases. Nonsyndromic thoracic aorta diseases (NS-TADs) lack overt clinical signs and systemic features, which hinder early detection and prompt surgical intervention. We hypothesize that tailored genetic testing and imaging of first-degree and second-degree relatives of patients affected by NS-TADs may enable early diagnosis and allow appropriate surveillance or intervention. Methods and Results We conducted a feasibility study involving probands affected by familial or sporadic NS-TADs who had undergone surgery, which also offered screening to their relatives. Each participant underwent a combined imaging (echocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging) and genetic (whole exome sequencing) evaluation, together with physical examination and psychological assessment. The study population included 16 probands (8 sporadic, 8 familial) and 54 relatives (41 first-degree and 13 second-degree relatives) with median age 48 years (range: 18-85 years). No syndromic physical features were observed. Imaging revealed mild-to-moderate aortic dilation in 24% of relatives. A genetic variant of uncertain significance was identified in 3 families. Imaging, further phenotyping, or a form of secondary prevention was indicated in 68% of the relatives in the familial group and 54% in the sporadic group. No participants fulfilled criteria for aortic surgery. No differences between baseline and 3-month follow-up scores for depression, anxiety, and self-reported quality of life were observed. Conclusions In NS-TADs, imaging tests, genetic counseling, and family screening yielded positive results in up to 1 out of 4 screened relatives, including those in the sporadic NS-TAD group. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03861741.

SUBMITTER: Abbasciano RG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9238461 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC6201478 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC10795846 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6428422 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC7439919 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC11292778 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC10706006 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9386043 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC1824778 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC7507478 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC10168345 | biostudies-literature