Evolution of aortic dissection after surgical repair

Acquired diseases of the thoracic aorta: role of MRI and MRA

Diseases of the thoracic aorta can present with a broad clinical spectrum of symptoms and signs. Their prevalence appears to be increasing in western populations, most likely corresponding to aging and heightened clinical awareness but also influenced by the progress of high-resolution, noninvasive imaging modalities. Among them, MRI provides an excellent visualization of vascular structures and is well suited for evaluation of thoracic aorta disease. Currently, in many centers, noninvasive imaging modalities are the first choice in the cardiovascular system evaluation and diagnosis, reserving conventional angiography for use only before therapeutic intervention. Understanding the principle MRA techniques is essential for acquiring consistent diagnostic images. Basic technical considerations, which include fast spin-echo, fast gradient-echo, and MRA techniques with phase contrast and contrast-enhanced methods, are discussed and applied in the evaluation of acquired thoracic aorta diseases.

Indications, Timing, and Prognosis of Operative Repair of Aortic Dissections

Since the first description of aortic dissection in the 1700s, the understanding and treatment of this catastrophic disease has evolved. Aortic dissections are identified as a tear in the aortic intima and inner layer of the media that allows for blood flow within the aortic wall. The area of the vessel involved determines its classification. The classification, in turn, helps to predict outcomes, which allows for appropriate treatment planning. The goal of this article is to outline the operative indications and timing for Stanford type A and type B dissections, based on prior reported data and our own clinical experience with 176 patients treated surgically at the Yale Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease. With this data we will revisit the importance of looking at each patient individually to devise an appropriate operative plan, with the knowledge that treatment for type A dissections is operative and treatment for type B dissections is medical unless patients present with actual or impending rupture, malperfusion, or failure of medical management.

Type A acute aortic dissection: Immediate and mid-term results of emergency aortic replacement with the aid of gelatin resorcin formalin glue

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term results of operation for type A acute aortic dissection with the aid of gelatin resorcin formalin glue.

METHODS

Emergency operation was carried out in 84 patients during the last 8 years. Fifty-five patients (65.5%) had mild-to-moderate aortic regurgitation. Gelatin resorcin formalin glue was applied to both the proximal and distal aortic stumps. We evaluated the presence of aortic regurgitation and the patency of the distal false lumen at the time of this study. The survival and reoperation-free rates were also assessed. In case of late reoperation, aortic wall samples of the glued area were examined histologically.

RESULTS

Ascending to hemiarch replacement were performed in 71 patients (84.5%). Total aortic arch and root replacement were required in 13 and 7 patients, respectively. Overall hospital mortality was 6.0% (5 patients). Late death was observed in 12 patients (14%). Reoperation for redissection in the aortic root, development of aortic regurgitation, and enlargement of the distal false lumen occurred in 1, 3, and 1 patient, respectively. Histologic examination showed no evidence of infiltration of inflammatory cells in the glued area. Computed tomography scan revealed a patent distal false lumen in 8 (14%) of 58 patients. Echocardiography detected moderate aortic regurgitation in 2 patients. The actuarial survival rate at 1, 5, and 8 years was 85.5%, 80%, and 60.0%, respectively. The reoperation-free rate at 8 years was 89%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of emergency aortic replacement with gelatin resorcin formalin glue have shown reasonable early and late mortality and reoperation rates. There was no histologic evidence of adverse tissue reactivity by gelatin resorcin formalin glue.