Genetic mutation linked to aortic dissection in the chest

Researchers at Umeå University in Sweden have discovered a genetic mutation that can cause dissection of the thoracic aorta.

The mutation leads to an impaired function of the smooth muscle cells of the aortic wall and cause an increased predisposition for aortic dissection.

 Aortic dissection is the bursting of an aortic aneurysm and can occur both within the chest abdomen.

Aortic dissection in the chest is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate care like emergency surgery.

The aorta usually dilates before a dissection, but people carrying the genetic mutation that we have discovered can have a dissection even with a mildly dilated aorta.