Aortic arch pathologies – incidence and natural history

Endovascular interventions have made significant progress and are moving towards treating diseases of the aortic arch. Aortic arch pathologies incur substantial morbidity as well as short and long-term mortality but the progression is not well understood. This article reviews the current evidence on the natural history of aortic arch aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes, including penetrating ulcers, intramural hematomas, acute and chronic type B dissections. Risk factors for disease progression and mortality are also identified with special reference to vascular surgeons.