Simple Hepatic Cysts as Markers of Thoracic Aortic Disease

Objective: Thoracic Aortic Disease (TAD) is potentially lethal, yet difficult to detect as most patients are asymptomatic until the aneurysm dissects and becomes life threatening. Several clinical markers for TAD have been identified such as: bicuspid aortic valve, intracranial aortic aneurysm, bovine aortic arch, positive family history, and simple renal cysts. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Simple Hepatic Cysts (SHC) among individuals diagnosed with TAD in order to assess whether they can be used as a predictor of TAD. Methods: In this retrospective study, the prevalence of SHC for (n=1244) hospital patients treated for TAD was evaluated and compared to a control group of (n=809) patients. TAD patients were divided into four subgroups: ascending aneurysm (788; 63.3%; descending aneurysm (123; 9.9%); type A dissection (137; 11%); type B dissection (196; 15.8%). The presence of SHC was determined based on either computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound imaging of these patients. Results: Prevalence of SHC was 14.8%, 11.4%, 12.4%, and 14.8% in patients with ascending aneurysm, descending aneurysm, type A dissection, and type B dissection, respectively. Prevalence of SHC in the control group was 3.8% (p<0.001). The prevalence of SHC was not significantly different between males and females among the TAD patients as well as the control population. Conclusion: Individuals with TAD have an increased prevalence of SHC compared to individuals without TAD. SHC can potentially be used as a clinical marker to detect patients at risk for TAD.