Race-based outcomes of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections in the Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study characterizes racial differences in presentation, as well as short- and long-term outcomes after endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and type B aortic dissection (TBAD).

METHODS

We queried the Gore Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment for thoracic endovascular aortic repairs (TEVARs) performed between 2010 and 2016 and followed through 2022. Pathologies represented were descending TAA, complicated TBAD, and uncomplicated TBAD. Using standard statistical tests, we compared overall and pathology-specific demographics, procedural factors, and outcomes among Black and White patients undergoing TEVAR.

RESULTS

We identified 438 TEVAR cases, including 236 descending TAA, 121 complicated TBAD, and 74 uncomplicated TBAD. Overall, Black patients were younger and had a higher incidence of renal insufficiency (P = .001), whereas White patients had more chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = .003) and cardiac arrhythmias (P = .037). In patients treated for descending TAA, Black patients had increased device- and procedure-related complications (34.3% vs 17.4%; P = .014), conversion to open repair (2.9% vs 0%; P = .011) and type II endoleak (5.7% vs 1.0%; P = .040), but no differences in mortality, length of hospital stay, or major adverse cardiovascular events. Whereas outcomes of TEVAR for uncomplicated TBAD were comparable, Black patients more frequently presented with complicated TBAD than White patients (Black, 40.5% vs White, 24.8%; P = .008) and had subsequently greater reintervention rates (28.1% vs 12.4%; P = .012), all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 4.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-10.5; P = .002) and aortic-related mortality (hazard ratio, 16.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-186; P = .022).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increased device- and procedure-related complications, similar short- and long-term outcomes are achieved in Black and White patients undergoing TEVAR for descending TAA and uncomplicated TBAD. However, Black patients are more likely to present with, require reintervention for, and suffer mortality from complicated TBAD.