Panos Kougias, MD, MSc Publishes in New England Journal of Medicine on Management of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

Sep 2, 2025

The SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery congratulates Dr. Panos Kougias, Chair of Surgery, and Dr. Firas F. Mussa, Professor of Vascular Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, on the publication of their article, “Management of Acute Type B Aortic Dissection,” in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

Drs. Kougias and Mussa’s comprehensive review outlines evolving standards in the treatment of acute type B aortic dissection—a life-threatening condition with significant clinical complexity. They emphasize that hypertension and genetic aortopathies remain the primary risk factors for dissection. For patients presenting  with complications such as rupture or malperfusion, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the preferred intervention, replacing open surgery in most cases. 

For uncomplicated cases, the mainstay of treatment remains medical management with strict blood pressure control. However, the article highlights that surgical or endovascular intervention may be necessary if complications develop during follow-up. The authors also stress the importance of serial imaging and lifelong surveillance for all patients who have experienced an aortic dissection. 

This publication underscores the expertise of Dr. Kougias in complex aortic pathology and reflects the Department’s continued commitment to advancing clinical care through academic excellence.