Thoracic aortic aneurysms and atrial fibrillation: commonality in pathophysiological pathways

Atrial fibrillation • Thoracic aortic aneurism • Pathways commonality A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a localized dilatation of the ascending and thoracic aorta that can lead to dissection and rupture of the vessel wall. 1 The most worrisome aspect of this clinical condition is related to its silent clinical progression with one in two cases completely asymptomatic and indeed diagnosed incidentally during imaging studies performed for other clinical condition. 1In addition, its first clinical manifestation may occur as an acute dissection which carries a very high risk for extra-and intra-hospital mortality.