Aortic aneurysms – latest update

Yale scientists have discovered a way to use a simple blood test that may accurately detect thoracic aneurysm disease (TAA) which gives little warning and is almost always fatal if untreated.

Yale School of Medicine under John Elefteriades MD, Applied Biosystems and Celera Diagnostics identified a 41 gene signature in blood cells that distinguishes TAA patients from those with the disease.

It appears the immune system plays a pivotal role in the development of aortic aneurysms.  The investigating team is also looking at determining if abdominal aneurysms share similar RNA signatures and if the RNA can predict rupture or dissection of an aneurysm.

Source Jacqueline Weaver, Yale University 

Elaine Warburton BSc RN ACA