Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are critical conditions frequently requiring operative intervention in order to prevent rupture, dissection, and death.<sup>25 Pressler V., McNamara J.J. Aneurysm of the thoracic aorta: A review of 260 cases J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1985 ;  89 : 50-54

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références</sup> The decision to operate on the thoracic aorta is relatively straightforward for patients without significant operative contraindications who present with very large, rapidly expanding, or symptomatic ascending or descending TAA. Determining whether surgery is indicated, however, is far more complex for asymptomatic patients with a gradually expanding, moderately sized thoracic aorta. In deciding when to operate, the surgeon must weigh the benefits of resection against the operative risks. The ultimate objective is to select patients for whom the operative risks are justified. Current recommendations for surgical intervention have been largely based on clinical judgment, with a paucity of hard scientific and statistical data regarding the appropriate size criterion for surgical intervention.

Variation in the present management of patients with TAA reflects existing limitations in the state of medical knowledge. Adding to this uncertainty are the inconsistencies in the results of published studies, which have endeavored to estimate growth rates of TAA and to identify risk factors for complications. In addition, there is often difficulty in evaluating the validity of the statistical evidence presented in a given study. The present report expands on an earlier study examining these issues,<sup>4 Coady M.A., Rizzo J.A., Hammond G.L. , et al. What is the appropriate size criterion for resection of thoracic aortic aneurysms? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997 ;  113 : 476-491  [cross-ref]

Cliquez ici pour aller à la section Références</sup> and includes larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up.