Is female sex impactful in the pathophysiology, presentation, management, and outlook of type A acute aortic dissection?

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is the most common acute aortic syndrome. It is a life-threatening condition and surgical emergency associated with high mortality if not treated promptly. While it is well established that cardiovascular disease recognises different pathophysiological pathways between men and women, there is limited evidence of sex differences in AAS, especially in type A AAD. According to a recent synthesis of clinical studies on gender differences in type A AAD, women were found to have different baseline characteristics, presentation and outcomes, and thus sex should be considered relevant for diagnosis, risk-stratification and management of type A AAD.

Automated summary

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition associated with high mortality if not treated promptly. Limited evidence suggests that there are sex differences in type A AAD, specifically in baseline characteristics, presentation, and outcomes for women. These findings highlight the relevance of considering sex in the diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management of type A AAD.