title: Biomarkers in TAA-the Holy Grail.
abstract: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a silent disease, often discovered at a time point that dramatic complications, as rupture and dissection, occur. For the detection of asymptomatic TAA and prevention of such complications, it is essential to have an adequate screening tool. Until now, routine laboratory blood tests have played only a minor role in the screening, diagnosis, tracking and prediction of the natural history of TAAs. However, the knowledge about biomarkers is rapidly expanding in the cardiovascular field, and there are several potential biomarkers that might be implemented into TAA clinical practice in the near future. The most important and promising markers for TAA will be discussed in this overview.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Aortic Research Center, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Guido H W
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: van Bogerijen
authors.forename: Jip L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Tolenaar
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Grassi
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lomazzi
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Segreti
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rampoldi
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Elefteriades
authors.forename: Santi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trimarchi
mesh_terms: D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D005819:Genetic Markers
keywords: AAA; Biomarkers; C-reactive protein; CRP; CT; ECM; ET; MMP; MRI; N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide; NT-proBNP; SMC; TAA; TEVAR; TGF-β; TIMP; Thoracic aortic aneurysm; abdominal aortic aneurysm; computed tomography; endothelin; extracellular matrix; magnetic resonance imaging; matrix metalloproteinase; smooth muscle cells; thoracic aortic aneurysm; thoracic endovascular aortic repair; tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases; transforming growth factor β