Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein, a Potential Biomarker for Thoracic Aortic Dissection

horacic aortic dissection (TAD) is a rare, life-threatening vascular emergency, typically presenting with severe chest or upper back pain. Differentiating TAD from more common causes of chest pain (such as, acute myocardial infarction) can be challenging. 1 Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for survival. TAD begins with an initial tear in the intima and media of the aorta and the formation of an alternate channel, or false lumen, and potential rupture. Stanford type A dissections (DeBakey types I and II) involve the ascending aorta, whereas type B dissections (DeBakey type III) involve the descending aorta. Most are the former, which has an in-hospital mortality rate of approximately 30%, and for individuals without surgical intervention, approximately 20% at 24 hours or approximately 50% at 2 weeks after symptom onset. A substantial proportion of aortic dissection patients have recognized connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome (MFS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and other transforming growth factor β (TGF β )-related syndromes. 1 Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation underpin loss of tensile strength and vessel elasticity