Familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections

Rupture of thoracic aortic aneurysms and/or dissections is not rare, occurr ing in approximately 0.6% of all medicolegal autopsies. Most forensic patho logists are aware of the association between thoracic aortic aneurysms/diss ections and trauma, atherosclerosis, inflammation and Marfan syndrome. In t his report, we discuss a familial form of thoracic aortic dilatation and/or dissection that is distinct from Marfan syndrome. In addition, we review t he topic of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection and encourage family no tification by forensic pathologists when familial forms of aortic disease a re suspected at autopsy.