Vnitr Lek 2026, 72(1):29-35 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2026.004

Clinic and treatment of aortic diseases - ESC guidelines

Veronika Jankovičová

II. klinika kardiológie a angiológie SZU, Stredoslovenský ústav srdcových a cievnych chorôb, a. s.

Aortic diseases represent a growing clinical problem with increasing prevalence, especially in older age groups. The availability of imaging methods, especially echocardiography, CT with ECG gating and MRI, plays a crucial role in diagnosis. Management of aortic aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes (AAS) is based on an accurate assessment of morphology, risk factors and growth dynamics. Prevention includes screening of selected populations and control of risk factors, especially arterial hypertension. Thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms have different etiopathogenesis, risk of complications and indication criteria for surgical or endovascular treatment. Surgical treatment remains the standard for most ascending aortic aneurysms and selected thoracoabdominal and abdominal locations, while TEVAR/EVAR is particularly important for descending aneurysms and type B dissection. Urgent hemodynamic control, accurate classification, and rapid identification of complications such as malperfusion, rupture, or progression to dissection play a major role in the management of AAS. Patients after surgical or endovascular procedures require long-term imaging follow-up due to the risk of reinterventions and disease progression. An individualized approach based on a combination of morphological criteria, genetic factors, and disease dynamics is key to optimizing prognosis and reducing mortality.

Keywords: aortic aneurysm, acute aortic syndrome, aortopathy associated with bicuspi aortic valve, aortic surgery.

Accepted: February 3, 2026; Published: February 12, 2026  Show citation