Is there evidence of “Aortic Dissections Weather”?

Objective: To determine the impact of metereological conditions on the incidence of acute aortic dissections.

Material and methods: 161 patients (48 female, 23–87 years) were enrolled between July 2004 and June 2010. 126 pts. Suffered from Typ-A, 35 from Typ-B-dissection

Data from 9 different metereological stations (altitude 112 to 973m) were provided by the German meteorological Service. Data included precipitation, speed and direction of wind, atmospheric pressure and temperature (maximum, minimum and average). Data were matched between closest weather station and onset of symptoms.

Results: 5 patients were excluded as exact onset of symptoms could be determined. 122 Typ-A and 34 Typ-B-Dissections in 48 female (age 23–84 years) patients were encountered. Incidence of Typ-A dissections was highest in autumn and winter, of Typ-B-Dissection during spring season.

Analysis of temperature changes revealed a significant drop of temperature the preceding 7 days with a maximum of the previous three days of a maximum of 1.5°C. Atmospheric pressure did not reveal significant differences during the preceding week. However a significantly increased circadian atmospheric pressure variation during the previous 7 days was observed. Precipitation and wind does not influence incidence of dissections.

Conclusion: This work highlights a correlation between acute aortic dissections and atmospheric temperature as well as atmospheric pressure variations. The typical dissection weather include a high pressure variation and temperature drops with a peak incidence three days prior to dissection.