Circulating Trimethylamine -Oxide and Growth Rate of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Surgical Risk

Can circulating levels of the gut microbiota–generated metabolite trimethylamine -oxide (TMAO) identify individuals at risk for development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), more rapid AAA progression, and recommended surgical intervention of AAAs?In this study including 237 individuals in a European cohort and 658 in a US cohort, elevated circulating TMAO levels were associated with increased risk of AAA and identified patients at heightened risk for both fast-growing AAA and recommended surgical intervention.TMAO may help identify individuals who may benefit from more frequent surveillance image monitoring and early surgical intervention to prevent aortic dissection or rupture.

Corresponding Authors: Stanley L. Hazen, MD, PhD, Department of Cardiovascular hazens@ccf.org& Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Ave, NC-10, Cleveland, OH 44195 (phillip.owens@uc.edu).

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