Dr. Milewicz informs about how genes can predict progression of aortic aneurysms to dissections. Genes can also predict other vascular disease the patients may be at risk for. Genetic testing and routine imaging from the head to the pelvis are important to monitor aneurysms of the aorta and other arteries in patients with aortic disease. Dr. Milewicz explains how mutations in the ACTA2 gene can cause enlargement of the aorta and also cause occlusion (closure) of other arteries, indicating the urgent need for research to understand underlying pathways that are responsible for differences in clinical manifestations of genetically triggered aortic disease. Click here for the video