Follow-up paradigms for stable aortic dissection.

While limited data exist on which follow-up paradigms for chronic aortic dissections can be based, what information is present suggests that long-term follow-up is mandatory. In spite of the treatment modality, deaths from aortic disease continue to accrue and repeat interventions are often required over long-term follow-up. The only prospective trial data available indicate a roughly equal incidence of secondary interventions during the first and second year. Recent studies with longer follow-up suggest that the likelihood of a need for intervention ultimately diminishes. With increasing time after presentation, it may be possible to decrease the frequency of follow-up interrogations. Definitive recommendations in this regard, however, must await the availability of longer-term data.