Positive Correlation Between Thoracic Aortic Diameter and Intracranial Aneurysm Size–An Observational Cohort Study

Objective: To investigate the association between intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and thoracic aortic diameter. Methods: This observational cohort study examined thoracic aortic diameters in patients with IA. Patients were categorized by IA size (<7 mm and ≥7 mm) and IA status (ruptured/unruptured) based on radiologic findings. We investigated the association between thoracic aortic diameter and IA size and status using binary and linear regression as univariate and multivariable analyses. Results: A total of 409 patients were included. Mean age was 60 (±11.7) years and 63% were women. Thoracic aortic diameters were greater among patients who had an IA ≥7 mm versus IA <7 mm (P < 0.05). In the univariate analysis, the diameter of the ascending aorta (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.129 per 1 mm; P = 0.002), aortic arch (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.15 per 1 mm; P < 0.001), and descending aorta (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03–1.16 per 1 mm; P = 0.003) were associated with IAs ≥7 mm. In the multivariable regression model, larger ascending aorta (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01–1.17 per 1 mm; P = 0.018), aortic arch (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02–1.22 per 1 mm; P = 0.013), and descending aorta (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.08–1.33 per 1 mm; P < 0.001) were associated with ruptured IA. Conclusions: Greater thoracic aortic diameters are associated with a higher risk of IA being larger than 7 mm and IA rupture. Exploring the concomitant growth tendency in IA and thoracic aorta provides a basis for future considerations regarding screening and risk management.