Positive Correlation Between Thoracic Aortic Diameter and Intracranial Aneurysm Size–An Observational Cohort Study

To investigate the association between intracranial aneurysms (IA) and thoracic aortic diameter. This observational cohort study examined thoracic aortic diameters in IA patients. Patients were categorized by IA size (<7mm and ≥7mm) and IA status (ruptured / unruptured) based on radiological findings. We investigated the association between thoracic aortic diameter and IA size and status using binary and linear regression as univariate and multivariable analyses. A total of 409 patients were included. Mean age was 60 (± 11.7) years and 63 % were women. Thoracic aortic diameters were greater among patients who had an IA of ≥7 mm vs. IA <7mm (p<0.05). In the univariate analysis, the diameter of the ascending aorta (OR 1.07 [1.02–1.129] per 1 mm, p 0.002), aortic arch (OR 1.10 [1.04–1.15] per 1 mm, p < 0.001) and descending aorta (OR 1.10 [1.03 – 1.16] per 1 mm, p 0.003) were associated with IAs ≥ 7mm. In the multivariable regression model, larger ascending aorta (OR 1.09 [1.01–1.17] per 1 mm, p 0.018), aortic arch (OR 1.12 [1.02–1.22] per 1 mm, p 0.013) and descending aorta (OR 1.20 [1.08–1.33] per 1mm, p<0.001) were associated with ruptured IA. Greater thoracic aortic diameters are associated with a higher risk of IA being larger than 7mm and IA rupture. Exploring the concomitant growth tendency in IA and thoracic aorta provides basis for future considerations regarding screening and risk management.