Low Serum-Free Testosterone Concentration in Chinese Male Patients with Uncomplicated Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

Although aortic dissection occurs predominantly in men, its association with androgens is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the androgen levels in Chinese male patients with uncomplicated, acute type B aortic dissection.Cross-sectional study.A total of 192 age-matched male patients with uncomplicated, acute type B aortic dissection or essential hypertension were recruited between 2016 and 2018. The demographic and clinical data were analyzed.Male patients with uncomplicated, acute type B aortic dissection had lower serum total testosterone and free testosterone than male patients with essential hypertension (7.6 ± 3.7 nmol/L vs. 10.9 ± 3.8 nmol/L, P < 0.001; 36.0 ± 19.8 pmol/L vs. 56.4 ± 19.2 pmol/L, P < 0.001). Lower free testosterone level was significantly associated with uncomplicated, acute type B aortic dissection (univariate odds ratio 0.948, P < 0.001; multivariate odds ratio = 0.966, P = 0.002). No statistical difference was observed for free testosterone between younger patient groups (aged < 51 years; aged 51-60 years) and older patient groups (aged 61-70 years; aged >70 years) with uncomplicated, acute type B aortic dissection (33.7 ± 19.8 pmol/L vs. 38.5 ± 19.8 pmol/L, P = 0.239).Lower free testosterone was independently associated with uncomplicated, acute type B aortic dissection in the Chinese male population with hypertension. Additional studies are needed to clarify whether earlier onset in Chinese patients with aortic dissection is associated with androgen deficiency.