Semin Vasc Surg. 2026 Jun;39(2):166-172. doi: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2026.03.005. Epub 2026 Mar 15.
ABSTRACT
Aortic dissection is a devastating diagnosis associated with high morbidity and mortality. After surgical or medical treatment, guideline-based imaging surveillance and clinical follow-up are critical. Despite this, rates of follow-up remain significantly low, which poses a considerable threat if complications are not recognized and addressed. Our qualitative study of patients post-dissection identified multiple barriers to maintaining follow-up after dissection repair, including patient-level perceptions as well as broader socioeconomic, psychosocial, and system-level factors. We conducted a review on the existing literature surrounding poor surveillance, highlighting known deficits and barriers at multiple entry points for patients with aortic dissection. Some factors include cost, travel distance, social resources, patient education, anxiety and depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and clinic design. These findings highlight important opportunities for future research, quality improvement, and system-level innovation aimed at improving follow-up in this vulnerable patient population.
PMID:42285644 | DOI:10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2026.03.005