Risk Score System for Late Aortic Events in Patients with Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection

Abstract Objective Several risk factors for late aortic events in patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (UTBAD) have been reported; however, they remain controversial. We developed and validated a new risk prediction score system for late aortic events in patients with UTBAD. Methods We reviewed 187 consecutive patients diagnosed with UTBAD from 2004 to 2017 at 2 centers (derivation cohort) and 219 consecutive patients diagnosed with UTBAD from 2012 to 2016 in 4 other centers (validation cohort). We explored predictors of late aortic events using Fine-Gray generalisation of the proportional hazards model, then developed a risk prediction score model and determined the test reliability using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Finally, we validated the model using external multicenter data. Results The risk prediction score system was developed using the following independent predictors: initial aortic diameter of ≥40 mm (2 points), false lumen diameter > true lumen diameter (2 points), ulcer-like projection (1 point), and age of ≥70 years (1 point). ROC analysis showed that a cut-off total additive score of 2 points. In the validation cohort, the low-risk group (score of 0-1 points) demonstrated lower 1- and 3-year incidence rates of late aortic events than the high-risk group (score of 2-6 points) (0.9% vs 32.5% and 0.9% vs 47.1%, respectively; p Conclusions We developed a simple risk prediction score system for late aortic events in patients with UTBAD. High-risk patients can be identified using our model, and they should be closely monitored and considered for interventions at the appropriate timing.