Philanthropy funds genetic testing to screen patients at risk of fatal aneurysms

Thanks to generous IU Health Foundation supporters, patients and their family members can undergo genetic testing to determine if they’re at risk for a potentially fatal aneurysm, which isn’t covered by Medicare or Medicaid. The Aortopathy Screening Program identifies a gene that increases their risk of a tear or dissection in the aorta. The program is the only one of its kind in Indiana.

“Without the knowledge this program can provide, these family members may develop an aortic dissection,” said Dr. Joel Corvera, cardiovascular surgeon at IU Health North Hospital. “It’s a highly lethal disease that’s rapid in onset and often requires emergency surgery.”

Dr. Corvera said the screening empowers patients, their families and the team who care for them with the knowledge necessary to manage their condition before it turns into an emergency.

“Without Foundation dollars, the testing would still exist, but the cost of the CT scan and the genetic testing would fall on the patients and their family members,” Dr. Corvera said. “These studies are expensive, and people are hesitant to seek preventive care when they’re asymptomatic. Insurance companies rarely cover the cost of these screenings, unless there’s a diagnosis of aortic disease. Without philanthropic support, we would reach fewer people.”