KIF6 Trp719Arg Genetic Variant Increases Risk for Thoracic Aortic Dissection.

We demonstrate the marked adverse impact of the 719Arg variant of the gene on the likelihood that a TAA patient will suffer aortic dissection. Clinical assessment of the variant status of this molecularly important gene may provide a valuable "non-size" criterion to enhance surgical decision making above and beyond the currently used metric of aortic size (diameter).