Short- and long-term outcomes in isolated penetrating aortic ulcer disease

Successful Interventional Endovascular Management of Ruptured Penetrating Aortic Ulcer with Associated Enormous Right Pleural False Aneurysm

Penetrating aortic injuries represent critical medical emergencies that necessitate immediate intervention to prevent life-threatening consequences. When accompanied by the presence of an enormous right pleural false aneurysm, the clinical scenario becomes exceptionally rare and complex. This case report details the successful management of a patient who presented with a penetrating aortic ulcer and an extensive false aneurysm within the right pleura, employing an interdisciplinary approach involving cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, interventional cardiologists, and radiologists. The pivotal intervention involved the deployment of a covered and bare stent graft into the descending thoracic aorta to seal the aortic rupture. The patient's clinical condition stabilized postoperatively, with no signs of recurrent hemorrhage. This case underscores the importance of rapid diagnosis, timely intervention, and the collaborative efforts of a specialized medical team in successfully managing such complex vascular injuries. Early recognition and referral to specialized centers are essential for improving patient outcomes in cases of penetrating aortic injuries with associated giant pseudoaneurysms.

2022 ACC/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and management of aortic disease: A report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

Midterm results of complicated penetrating abdominal aortic ulcer treated by aortobi-iliac endograft and embolization

BACKGROUND

Penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) is determined by atherosclerotic degeneration of the tunica media with disruption of the intima. Usually it is detected in the thoracic aorta, with few series describing an abdominal location. The aim of the study was to report early and late outcomes of the endovascular repair of complicated infrarenal abdominal PAU (a-PAU) by aortobi-iliac endograft and embolization.

METHODS

Data from all complicated a-PAU submitted to endovascular repair by aortobi-iliac endograft (Cook-Zenith Alpha) between 2016 and 2021 (February) were analyzed. The a-PAU coil embolization was performed to decrease the risk of persistent type II endoleak whenever possible. Complicated a-PAU were defined according with the presence of symptoms, aortic rupture, or saccular or pseudo-aneurysm. Technical success, 30-day morbidity and mortality, and reinterventions were assessed as early outcomes. Survival, endoleaks, and freedom from reinterventions were evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 1153 endovascular aortic procedures, 45 cases (4%) of complicated a-PAU were identified. Fourteen cases (31%) were managed in urgent setting (symptoms, n = 10 [22%]; shock, n = 4 [9%]). The median diameter of a-PAU was 49 mm (interquartile range, 14 mm). Thirteen patients (29%) had severe femoral or iliac access (angle >90°, circumferential calcification [>50%], hemodynamic iliac stenosis or obstruction, an external iliac artery diameter of less than 7 mm, or a previous femoral surgical graft). The a-PAU embolization was performed in 30 cases (67%). Technical success was achieved in all patients. Postoperative cardiac, pulmonary and renal morbidity occurred in one (2%), two (4%), and eight (18%) patients, respectively. Two patients (4%) required reintervention within 30 days for access related complications. The 30-day mortality was 2%. At a median follow-up of 24 months (interquartile range, 18 months), no type I or III endoleaks, iliac leg occlusion, or graft infection occurred and no patient required late reinterventions; the 36-month survival rate was 72%. No a-PAU enlarged or ruptured during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular repair of complicated a-PAU by a low-profile aortobi-iliac endograft and embolization is safe and effective. Excellent technical results are reported even in challenging anatomic features. Midterm clinical results are satisfactory in terms of aortic-related complications or mortality, freedom from reintervention, and survival.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate. Structure: Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

Natural history and clinical significance of aortic focal intimal flaps

Objective

Focal intimal flaps (FIF) are a variety of defects of the aorta that result in a short, flap-like projection into the lumen, and are often encountered in asymptomatic patients undergoing computed tomography angiography (CTA) surveillance for aortic aneurysm, but the natural history and clinical significance of such lesions has not yet been studied.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with an asymptomatic FIF and available imaging follow-up (>1 year). FIF was defined as flap-like intimal irregularity < 4 cm in length involving the thoracic aorta (TA), abdominal aorta (AA) or common iliac arteries (CIA). FIF characteristics included length and circumferential extent as well as the presence and size (width and depth) of associated penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs). Patient characteristics, adverse events and history of surgical repair was determined by chart review. FIFs and associated PAUs were assessed for progression by comparing baseline and follow-up CTA studies.

Results

A total of 84 FIFs were identified in 77 patients. Average age was 69.2 ± 10.1 years, and 81% were male (81%). Common co-morbidities included: hypertension (78%), hyperlipidemia (68%), smoking (60%), coronary artery disease (41%), aortic aneurysm (34%), type II diabetes mellitus (27%) and prior cardiovascular surgery (25%). FIFs were most commonly located in the abdominal aorta (n = 50, 60%). Nearly all FIFs were associated with local atherosclerotic plaque (93%). Mean follow-up interval was 3.5 ± 2.6 years (259 cumulative follow-up years). Change in FIF length and local aortic diameter over follow-up were 0.7 ± 2.3 mm and 0.8 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. Nearly half (47%) of FIFs were associated with penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU) with baseline depth of 7.3 mm (IQR: 6.1–10.2) and change in depth of 0.5 ± 1.4 mm. Only 12% of FIFs and 0% of associated PAUs demonstrated growth (≥3 mm) at follow-up. No acute pathology developed in the location of FIFs and no aortic interventions were performed specifically to treat FIFs.

Conclusion

Focal intimal flaps identified in asymptomatic patients with aortic disease were co-localized with atherosclerotic plaque and PAUs, and demonstrated indolent behavior, not leading to significant growth or acute aortic events, supporting a conservative management approach.

Penetrating Aortic Ulceration Treated with Castor Branched Aortic Stent Graft—A Case Series

Penetrating aortic ulceration (PAU) is an acute aortic syndrome similar to aortic dissection and intramural hematoma. It is the result of a tunica intima ulceration due to atherosclerotic disease. This clinical condition can lead to serious complications and a poor short-term prognosis, especially in high-surgical-risk patients. We report three cases of patients referred to “Ospedale del Cuore” of Massa (Italy) with PAU at the aortic arch-proximal descending aorta level who could not undergo surgical intervention. For the first time in Italy, we successfully treated these patients with a full percutaneous implantation of a Castor branched aortic stent graft. Our case series shows that this type of endovascular graft is an effective, safe, and feasible treatment for PAU involving a distal aortic arch and avoiding surgery and related complications.

Diagnosis and Management of Acute Aortic Syndromes: Dissection, Penetrating Aortic Ulcer, and Intramural Hematoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute aortic syndromes, including aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating aortic ulcer, are a group of highly morbid, related pathologies that are defined by compromised aortic wall integrity. The purpose of this review is to summarize current management strategies for acute aortic syndromes.

RECENT FINDINGS

All acute aortic syndromes have potential for high morbidity and mortality and must be quickly identified and managed with the appropriate algorithm to prevent suboptimal outcomes. Recent trials suggest that TEVAR is increasingly useful in stabilizing pathology of the descending thoracic aorta but when possible should be applied in a delayed fashion and with limited coverage to minimize neurologic complications. Treatment for acute aortic syndrome is frequently dictated by the anatomic location and extent of the wall compromise as well as patient comorbidities. Therapy is often individualized and often includes some combination of medical, procedural, and surgical intervention.

Endovascular repair of penetrating aortic ulcers: Indications and single-center mid-term results

BACKGROUND

Although endovascular repair is used to treat penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs), the indications for endovascular repair in PAUs remain controversial. The current study evaluated the mid-term results of endovascular repair for PAUs and further explored the endovascular indications for PAUs.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients who were diagnosed with PAUs and underwent endovascular repair in our department from October 2018 to August 2020. Endovascular indication included persistent or recurring symptoms, a maximum diameter of the PAU of greater than 20 mm, a maximum depth of the PAU of greater than 10 mm, an increase in the diameter of the aorta at the ulcer of greater than 10 mm annually, and multiple ulcers at the same or adjacent level of the aorta. Patient characteristics, anatomical parameters of the PAU, characteristics of endovascular repair and follow-up data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in the study. Three patients had PAUs in the aortic arch, 6 PAUs were in the descending thoracic aorta, 4 PAUs were in the abdominal aorta, and 2 PAUS were in the descending thoracic and abdominal aortas. The average age was 70.60±8.27 years. Eight patients were symptomatic. The average depth of the PAUs was 7.32±2.74 mm, and the average diameter was 15.03±6.10 mm. The average operation time was 95.60±33.11 min. Postoperative hospital stay was 3.33±0.61 days. A left subclavian artery chimney stent was implanted in 3 aortic arch cases and 1 occluded case without adverse symptoms during the follow-up period. A bifurcated stent graft was placed in 3 abdominal aorta cases and exhibited good patency during the follow-up period. The duration of follow-up ranged from 3 to 24 months. The follow-up results showed that all PAUs were treated satisfactorily by endovascular repair, and no endoleaks or stent graft-related complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular repair is a safe and effective treatment for PAUs, and it may be safely performed in elderly patients and patients with comorbidities. The endovascular indications for PAUs must be further studied and optimized.

Management of the penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer in the descending thoracic aorta

Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers present with an insidious onset with a reported mortality of 9%, varying across populations. With vast arrays of risk factors and potentially ominous complications, it is vital to efficiently provide optimum strategies for management. There exists controversy in the literature regarding management, especially for Type B penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers; the decision-making framework encompasses numerous factors in considerations for medical management versus invasive intervention and choice of endovascular versus open repair in the latter. The concomitant presence of intramural haematoma adds further complexity to the already intricate decision-making for management. We performed searches through PubMed and SCOPUS analysing studies reporting outcomes for management strategies for penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers treatment, focusing on Type B, further seeking to analyse studies reporting their experiences of PAU patients with concomitant intramural haematoma. Our review highlights the ambiguity and controversy existing in the literature, comprising studies burdened by their inherent hindering limitations of their single-centre retrospective experiences. Endovascular therapy has come to the forefront of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers management, often considered first line therapy. In the case of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers alongside intramural haematoma, there have been reports of potential hybrid surgical approaches to management. Studies further show misdiagnosis of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers in earlier data sets further complicates management. However, it is clear we must progress on the journey towards precision medicine, allowing delivery of optimum care to our patients.

Prognostication of Asymptomatic Penetrating Aortic Ulcers: A Modern Approach

Background: Literature detailing the natural history of asymptomatic penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU) is sparse and lacks long-term follow-up. This study sought to determine the rate of asymptomatic PAU growth over time and adverse events from asymptomatic PAU. Methods: A cohort of patients with asymptomatic PAU from 2005-2020 was followed. One ulcer was followed per patient. Primary endpoints were change in size over time and the composite of symptoms, radiographic progression, rupture, and intervention; cumulative incidence function estimated the incidence of the composite outcome. Ulcer size and rate of change were modeled using a linear mixed effects model. Patient and anatomic factors were evaluated as potential predictors of the outcomes. Results: There were 273 patients identified. Mean age was 75.5±9.6 years; 66.4% were male. The majority of ulcers were in the descending thoracic aorta (53.9%), followed by abdominal aorta (41.4%), and aortic arch (4.8%). Fusiform aneurysmal disease was present in 21.6% of patients at a separate location; 2.6% had an associated intramural hematoma; 23.6% had at least one other PAU. Symptoms developed in one patient who ruptured; 8 patients (2.9%) underwent an intervention for PAU (one for rupture, 2 for radiographic progression, 5 for size/growth) at a median of 3.1 years (IQR:1.0-6.5) after diagnosis. Five and 10-year cumulative incidence of the primary outcome, adjusted for competing risk of death, was 3.6% (95% CI: 1.6-6.9%) and 6.5% (95% CI: 3.1-11.4%), respectively. For 191 patients with multiple CT scans (760 total CT's) with median radiographic follow-up of 3.50 years (IQR:1.20-6.63 years), mean initial ulcer width, ulcer depth, and total diameter in millimeters (mm) was 13.6, 8.5, and 31.4, respectively. Small, but statistically significant change over time was observed for ulcer width (0.23 mm/year) and total diameter (0.24 mm/year); ulcer depth did not significantly change over time. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, initial ulcer width>20 mm, thrombosed PAU, and associated saccular aneurysm were associated with larger changes in ulcer size over time, however the magnitude of difference was small, ranging from 0.4-1.9 mm/year. Conclusions: Asymptomatic PAU displayed minimal growth and infrequent complications including rupture. Asymptomatic PAU may be conservatively managed with serial imaging and risk-factor modification.

Multicenter Experience With Large Diameter Balloon-Expandable Stent-Grafts for the Treatment of Infrarenal Penetrating Aortic Ulcers

Purpose

To describe the use of large-diameter balloon-expandable stent-grafts (BeGraft aortic stent-graft, Bentley InnoMed GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) in the treatment of infrarenal penetrating aortic ulcer (iPAU).

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing endovascular treatment with the BeGraft aortic stent-graft in 8 European centers from January 2017 to October 2020. Demographics, perioperative data, and midterm outcomes were collected. Endpoints of the study were technical feasibility, early mortality, and morbidity.

Results

A total of 40 patients were included. The mean age was 73.9±7.05 years and 63.2% were male. Indications for treatment included size and morphology (65%), presence of symptoms (29.5%), and contained ruptures (5.5%). Urgent treatment was performed in 5% of cases. Technical success was 97.5%. Median operation time was 58 minutes (19–170 minutes), with 27.5% of patients having additional procedures during the main intervention (1 additional repair with a C-TAG (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) thoracic endoprosthesis, 5 covered endovascular reconstruction of aortic bifurcation procedures, 3 extensions with proximal cuffs, and 2 percutaneous angioplasties of the common iliac arteries). Percutaneous femoral access was used in 72.5%, while groin cut-down was performed in 27.5%. Repair was successful with only 1 stent in 45% of cases, while 37.5% required 2 stents and nearly 17.5% required 3/4 stent-grafts. The 30-day mortality was 0%, with a 2.5% reintervention rate (1 patient required evacuation of an intra-abdominal hematoma). Median follow-up was 13.9 months (2–39 months), during which no vascular-related reinterventions or deaths were reported. In 4 patients, a type II endoleak was observed. No cases of graft migration, thrombosis, or stent-fracture were observed.

Conclusions

The treatment of iPAU with the BeGraft aortic stent-graft in a selective patient group is feasible with low rate of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Balloon-expandable stent-grafts offer the option to repair iPAUs with a shorter coverage of the aorta using low-profile sheath, that enables treatment in the presence of calcified access vessels and small diameter aortic bifurcations.

The Management of Patients With Penetrating Aortic Ulcers: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) are an entity within acute aortic syndrome. They often remain undiagnosed and are found incidentally or when they become symptomatic. Management is currently guided by clinical judgment. This review aims to identify indications for treatment and inform management.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for studies on the management of PAUs. The outcome measures were mortality, progression and resolution of symptoms.

RESULTS

This review incorporates 27 studies involving 1356 patients with PAU. Data was available regarding symptoms for 1213 patients (494 symptomatic, 719 asymptomatic). Overall late mortality for PAUs was found to be higher than 30-day mortality. Early mortality was higher for symptomatic patients as compared to those with asymptomatic PAUs. Early mortality was lowest for PAUs treated with endovascular interventions (5%), followed by PAUs managed medically and highest following open surgical management. Indications for treatment included symptoms, progression/instability, aortic diameter >5 cm, concomitant aortic pathology or pleural effusion. 13% of patients managed conservatively at initial presentation demonstrated progression and were considered for intervention subsequently. 9% of patients required reintervention after initial endovascular surgery.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment, if anatomically suitable, should be considered as first line treatment for symptomatic PAUs. Patients with asymptomatic PAUs, if associated with high-risk features such as PAU diameter >20 mm, PAU depth >10 mm, aortic diameter >42 mm, concomitant pathology, morphological change or an infective etiology, should also be considered for intervention. Small asymptomatic PAUs with no high-risk features may be managed conservatively but must undergo regular surveillance.

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for symptomatic penetrating aortic ulcers and intramural hematomas is associated with poor outcomes

BACKGROUND

The natural history of penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) and intramural hematomas (IMHs) of the aorta has not been well described. Although repair is warranted for rupture, unremitting chest pain, or growth, no threshold has been established for treating those found incidentally. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) offers an attractive approach for treating these pathologic entities. However, the periprocedural and postoperative outcomes have not been well defined.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥18 years identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative database who had undergone TEVAR for PAUs and/or IMHs from January 2011 to February 2020 were included. We identified 1042 patients, of whom 809 had follow-up data available. The patient demographics and comorbidities were analyzed to identify the risk factors for major adverse events (MAEs) and postoperative and late mortality.

RESULTS

The cohort was 54.8% female, and 69.9% were former smokers, with a mean age of 71.1 years. Comorbidities were prevalent, with 57.8% classified as having American Society of Anesthesiologists class 4. Of the 1042 patients, 89.8% had hypertension, 28.3% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 17.9% coronary artery disease, and 12.2% congestive heart failure. Patients were predominately symptomatic (74%), and 44.5% had undergone nonelective repair. The MAE incidence was 17%. The independent predictors of MAEs were a history of coronary artery disease, nonwhite race, emergent procedural indication, ruptured presentation, and deployment of two or more endografts. In-hospital mortality was 4.3%. Of the index hospitalization mortalities, 73% were treatment related. For the 809 patients with follow-up (mean, 25.1 ± 19 months), the all-cause mortality was 10.6%. The predictors of late mortality during follow-up included age >70 years, ruptured presentation, and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and end-stage renal disease. A subset analysis comparing symptomatic (74%) vs asymptomatic (26%) patients demonstrated that the former were frequently women (58.2% vs 45.3%; P < .001), with a greater incidence of MAEs (20.6% vs 6.9%; P < .001), including higher in-hospital reintervention rates (5.9% vs 1.5%; P = .002) and mortality (5.6% vs 0.7%; log-rank P = .015), and a prolonged length of stay (6.9 vs 3.7 days; P < .0001), despite similar procedural risks. During follow-up, late mortality was greater in the symptomatic cohort (12.2% vs 6.5%; log-rank P = .025), with all treatment-related mortalities limited to the symptomatic group.

CONCLUSIONS

We found significantly greater morbidity and mortality in symptomatic patients undergoing repair compared with asymptomatic patients, despite similar baseline characteristics. Asymptomatic patients treated with TEVAR had no treatment-related mortality during follow-up, with the overall prognosis largely dependent on preexisting comorbidities. These findings, in conjunction with increasing evidence highlighting the risk of disease progression and attendant morbidity associated with these aortic entities, suggest a need for natural history studies and definitive guidelines on the elective repair of IMHs and PAUs.

Various Endoluminal Approaches Available for Treating Pathologies of the Aortic Arch

Open surgical repair of the aortic arch for degenerative aortic disease in an unfit patient is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endoluminal techniques have advanced over the last decade. Contemporary endovascular options including a hybrid approach (supra-aortic debranching and aortic stent graft), inner branched endograft, chimney stents, and scallop or fenestrated endografts are being used frequently as an alternative to open surgical arch repair. Understanding of the available endoluminal technology along with careful planning and effective teamwork is required to minimise complications associated with the endoluminal techniques, particularly neurological ones. Custom made techniques are superior to chimney or parallel technology in terms of their complications and durability. Integration of the protective devices such as embolic protection filters into stent design may reduce the risk of poor neurological sequelae. Long-term data are needed to assess the durability of these devices.

The Management of Penetrating Aortic Ulcer

Penetrating aortic ulceration (PAU) is part of the spectrum of acute aortic syndromes (AAS), and is defined as an ulcerated intimal disruption due to atherosclerotic disease. PAU may be simple, isolated and asymptomatic, or it may be symptomatic, aneurysmal and extensive; these may progress and lead to rupture. This review aims to evaluate the treatment options for PAU. Treatment options range from radiological surveillance, risk factor modification, best medical therapy and open or endovascular surgical repair. Patients with PAU are frequently older and comorbid with relatively damaged aortic tissue; this can make open surgical repair more challenging. Endovascular repairs for larger, symptomatic, aneurysmal PAU may be performed with acceptable outcomes. Complex endovascular repairs may be required depending on the pathology. Patients with small, asymptomatic, uncomplicated PAU may be safely followed up with surveillance. PAU with concomitant intramural haematoma (IMH) should be closely monitored to observe for resolution or progression following conservative and medical management strategies. PAU is a unique entity and its natural history should be studied independently to better understand appropriate management strategies. This research is currently lacking, and larger studies or registries may be helpful in optimising PAU management.