Prediction of progression or regression of type A aortic intramural hematoma by computed tomography

Endovascular treatment of traumatic renal artery pseudoaneurysm with a Stanford type A intramural haematoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) associated with aortic branch tear and intramurally located pseudoaneurysm after blunt trauma has not been reported. Here, we report a case of progressive type A aortic IMH associated with a pseudoaneurysm arising from the injured proximal renal artery after blunt trauma.

CASE SUMMARY

During logging operations, a 66-year-old man experienced blunt force trauma after being injured by a fallen tree. He arrived at our trauma center with a left flank pain complaint. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a pseudoaneurysm arising from the proximal renal artery (localized within the aortic media) and Stanford type A IMH. A covered stent was deployed along the left main renal artery, bridging the pseudoaneurysm and covering the parent artery, successfully excluding the pseudoaneurysm as confirmed using aortography. However, although the degree of the pseudoaneurysm decreased, follow-up CT revealed remnant pseudoaneurysm, likely caused by an endoleak. Subsequently, a covered stent was additionally installed through the previously deployed covered stent. Successful exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm was confirmed using final aortography. In the 7-mo follow-up CT scan, the IMH and pseudoaneurysm completely disappeared with no evidence of stent-related complications.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment such as stent-graft placement can be an effective and safe treatment for traumatic renal artery injury.

Comparative study on clinical efficacy of different methods for the treatment of intramural aortic hematoma

To explore the difference of curative effect between different treatment modalities, in order to provide reference for the treatment of aortic intramural hematoma (IMH). 168 patients with aortic intramural hematoma diagnosed and treated from January 2010 to July 2020 were selected in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Among them, 48 patients were diagnosed with Stanford A aortic intramural hematoma and 120 were diagnosed with Stanford B aortic intramural hematoma. According to the therapeutic methods, patients were divided into conservative treatment group and endovascular treatment group (TEVAR). For endovascular treatment group, according to the different timing of surgery, can be divided into acute phase group (onset within 72 h) and non-acute phase group (time of onset > 72 h).The clinical data and follow-up data were collected and analyzed by variance analysis and χ² test. There were 168 patients diagnosed with aortic intramural hematoma 39 of them were (81.25%) Stanford A aortic intramural hematoma patients with pleural or pericardial effusion. For patient with Stanford A aortic intramural hematoma, endovascular treatment was performed in 15 patients (31.2%), and 33 cases (68.8%) for conservative treatment. The average follow-up (24.9 ± 13.9) was months. There were 120 patients with Stanford type B aortic intramural hematoma (71.4%), 60 patients received endovascular treatment (50%), and 60 patients (50%) received conservative treatment, with an average follow-up of (27.8 ± 14.6) months. For Stanford A type aortic intramural hematoma patients when the maximum aortic diameter ≥ 50 mm or hematoma thickness ≥ 11 mm, with high morbidity and mortality, positive endovascular treatment can reduce complications and death. For patients with Stanford type B aortic intramural hematoma, when the maximum aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm or hematoma thickness ≥ 10 mm, with high morbidity and mortality, positive endovascular treatment can reduce complications and death. Both Stanford type A and B aortic intramural hematoma patients could benefit from the endovascular treatment when the initial maximum aortic diameter is ≥ 50 mm or the hematoma thickness is ≥ 11 mm.

Demystifying penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of aorta: unrealised tyrant of senile aortic changes

This review article describes demographic features, comorbidities, clinical and imaging findings, prognosis, and treatment strategies in penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) and closely related entities using google scholar web search. PAU is one of the manifestations of the acute aortic syndrome (AAS) spectrum. The underlying aorta invariably shows atherosclerotic changes or aneurysmal dilatation. Hypertension is the most common contributing factor, with chest or back pain being the usual manifestation. Intramural hematoma (IMH) is the second entity associated with both PAU and aortic dissection (AD), more so with the latter. Chest radiograph can show mediastinal widening, pleural, or pericardial fluid in rupture. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the imaging modality of choice to visualize PAU, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) adding diagnostic value. Lesser-known entities of intramural blood pool (IBP), limited intimal tears (LITs), and focal intimal disruptions (FID) are also encountered. PAU can form fistulous communication with adjacent organs whereas IMH may propagate to dissection. CTA aids in defining the management, open or endovascular options in surgical candidates.

A Review on the Surgical Management of Intramural Haematoma of the Aorta

Intramural haematoma (IMH) of the aorta is one of the causes of acute aortic syndrome which often requires emergency or urgent life-saving surgery. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, surgery and clinical outcomes associated with IMH.

Clinical features and surgical outcomes of type A intramural hematoma

Background

Data on the clinical features and surgical outcomes of type A intramural hematoma (IMH) in Chinese patients are very limited. We aimed to present the surgical experiences on type A IMH in our center, and report early and late outcomes.

Methods

From February 2012 to April 2018, 106 consecutive patients underwent open surgery for type A IMH at our hospital. We adopted emergent operation for patients with cardiac tamponade or other severe complications, and recommended initial medical treatment followed by elective surgery for stable patients. The composite endpoints included operative mortality, permanent nerve damage (stroke, paraplegia), and new-onset renal failure necessitating hemodialysis. Risk factors for operative mortality and the composite endpoints were identified using univariable and multivariable logistic regression model analysis. The survival and freedom from aortic events were analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier surviving curve and a log-rank test.

Results

Except 1 patient receiving emergent surgery (within 24 hours from onset) because of cardiac tamponade and cerebral malperfusion, all patients received initial medical treatment and delayed surgery. Two patient developed pericardial tamponade while waiting for surgery, and then received emergent surgery. Preoperative conversion to aortic dissection (AD) was noted in no patient. The operative techniques included ascending aorta replacement in 9 patients, hemiarch replacement in 18 patients, total arch replacement (TAR) with frozen elephant trunk (FET) in 45 patient and hybrid aortic arch repair in 34 patients. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and cross-clamp time were 138.7±41.6 and 79.3±27.8 min, respectively. The operative mortality was 1.9% (2/106). And the composite endpoints occurred in 7 patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed CPB time ≥200 min and chronic kidney disease were risk factors for the composite endpoints. The follow-up data were available in 97 survivors, with the mean follow-up time of 30.8±16.2 months. Three patients died and 5 patients developed aortic events during the follow-up. The overall survival at 1-, 3- and 5-year were 97.0%, 95.3%, and 79.4%, respectively. And freedom from aortic events at 1-, 3- and 5-year were 97.7%, 95.3% and 89.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our strategy had got low mortality and excellent mid-term survival in patients with type A IMH. Therefore, our strategy was suitable for the surgical repair of type A IMH in Chinese population.

Prognostic value of clinical and morphologic findings in patients with type B aortic intramural hematoma

Background

Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is a subset of acute aortic syndrome, and its prognosis may differ between races. This study aimed to study the prognosis of Chinese type B IMH patients and to find out risk factors.

Methods

A total of 71 type B IMH patients with or without penetrating atherosclerosis ulcer (PAU) administrated in our center between September 2013 and October 2017 were retrospectively studied. Both clinical and imaging data were collected and analyzed. The primary end point was aorta-related death, and the secondary end point was progression, which was defined as enlargement of aorta, increased aortic wall thickness, and aortic dissection or aneurysm formation. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used for prognostic analysis.

Results

Among these 71 patients, 21 had simple type B IMH, when 50 had type B IMH in association with PAU. Twenty-five patients received optimal medical therapy (OMT) alone, while 46 patients received surgery and OMT. The mean follow-up time was 27.5 ± 13.5 months. For type B IMH patients, association with PAU indicated poor prognosis and required more intensive management (HR = 16.68, 1.96~141.87), while maximum aortic diameter (MAD) was an independent risk factor (HR = 1.096, 1.016~1.182). For patients with PAU-IMH, MAD was an independent risk factor (HR = 1.04, 1.021~1.194), while surgical treatment was independent protective factor (HR = 0.172, 0.042~0.696).

Conclusion

Association with PAU and MAD were independent risk factors for type B IMH patients. Surgery may improve the outcomes for type B IMH in association with PAU.

Management of acute type A intramural hematoma: upfront surgery or individualized approach? A retrospective analysis and meta-analysis

Background

Management of acute type A intramural hematoma (IMH) is a controversial topic. In our study, we aim to analyze the survival outcomes in local patients with acute type A IMH and a meta-analysis on survival in type A IMH treated medically versus surgically was performed.

Methods

From 2014 to 2019, 65 patients with acute type A IMH were selected for analysis. Primary outcome of interest was 1 year all cause survival. The rate of aortic-related events in the medical group was evaluated. PubMed and Embase were searched for meta-analysis.

Results

The mean age of our cohort was 61.7±9.7 years. Of the 65 patients, 40% had emergency operation. Overall 1-year survival was 96.9%. The 1-year survival was 94.9% for the medical group. 46.2% of the medical group required aortic intervention at a mean duration of 191±168 days. Maximal aortic diameter (MAD) ≥45 mm was predictive of aortic-related events in the medical group (OR: 7.0; 95% CI, 1.7-29.4; P=0.008). For the meta-analysis, 21 studies were identified, and 900 patients were included. Emergent surgery was associated with improved survival in type A IMH (OR: 0.76; 95% CI, 0.29-1.97, P=0.58; I²=27%).

Conclusions

The 1-year survival after type A IMH was promising, regardless of approach. The conservative-first approach was found to be safe & feasible, and upfront surgery remained the management of choice in general. Patients with MAD ≥45 mm was associated with subsequent aortic intervention in the medical-first group.

Natural courses and long-term results of type A acute aortic intramural haematoma and retrograde thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection: a single-centre experience

OBJECTIVES

Few reports on the outcomes of patients treated for Stanford type A acute aortic intramural haematoma (TAAIMH) and retrograde thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection exist. This study aimed to evaluate their long-term results and predictors of adverse outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 40 patients with TAAIMH and retrograde thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection. All patients underwent urgent surgery on presentation of life-threatening complications. Before discharge, 18 patients underwent open aortic surgery, and 22 were treated with medical therapy alone. Clinical features of these patients and image appearances were reviewed, and the relationship with overall survival, aortic events, and aortic death was investigated.

RESULTS

The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.5% (1 patient) with medical therapy alone and 11.1% (2 patients) with surgical intervention. No patient with initial medical therapy required urgent surgery for life-threatening complications beyond 3 days of admission. The overall survival and aortic death-free survival rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 85.0%, 72.5% and 59.8% and 90.0%, 81.6% and 77.1%, respectively. TAAIMH associated with penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) was a risk factor of aortic events (P = 0.020) and significantly influenced aortic death-free survival (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Urgent surgery for complicated TAAIMH and retrograde thrombosed type A acute aortic dissection patients and initial medical therapy for uncomplicated patients show favourable long-term survival rates. TAAIMH is frequently associated with PAU; PAU enlargement is common. Although PAU can remain stable for years, it is a strong predictor of poor prognosis. For optimal long-term results, surgical repair is recommended for TAAIMH associated with PAU.

Role of PET/CT in the Evaluation of Aortic Disease

Positron emission tomography (PET) /computed tomography (CT) has been established as a standard imaging modality in the evaluation of malignancy. Although PET/CT has played a major role in the management of oncology patients, its clinical use has also increased for various disorders other than malignancy. Growing evidence shows that PET/CT images have many advantages in aortic disease as well. This review article addresses the potential role of PET/CT in diseases involving the aorta, emphasizing its usefulness with regard to acute thoracic aortic syndromes, aortic aneurysm, atherosclerotic lesions, aortitis and aortic tumors.

Initial clinical evaluation of preoperative frailty in surgical patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

We retrospectively assessed the initial clinical role of preoperative frailty in surgical patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (AAAD).

METHODS

One hundred and fourteen consecutive patients who underwent emergent or urgent surgical interventions for AAAD in our institute between April 2000 and March 2016 participated in this retrospective study. Patients with more than three of the following six modalities were defined as being frail: age older than 75 years, preoperative requirement of assistance in daily living, body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m², female, history of major stroke, and chronic kidney disease greater than class 3b. Twenty-three patients (20.2%) were diagnosed with frailty (group F), while 91 patients (79.8%) were not (group N). Early clinical outcomes, major postoperative complications, postoperative recovery of activity, and early or mid-term survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

Although early clinical outcomes and the prevalence of major postoperative complications were similar in both groups, postoperative activity of daily living (ADL), such as the rate of being ambulatory on discharge (p < 0.05) and home discharge (p < 0.01), was significantly lower in group F than in group N. A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 1- and 5-year survival rates were similar in groups F (85.9 and 76.4%, respectively) and N (86.0 and 76.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative frailty in AAAD surgical patients has potential as a prognostic factor that affects delays in ADL recovery, but does not influence the early or mid-term clinical outcomes of prompt surgical strategies for life rescue in AAAD patients with frailty.

A new inverse method for estimation of in vivo mechanical properties of the aortic wall

The aortic wall is always loaded in vivo, which makes it challenging to estimate the material parameters of its nonlinear, anisotropic constitutive equation from in vivo image data. Previous approaches largely relied on either computationally expensive finite element models or simplifications of the geometry or material models. In this study, we investigated a new inverse method based on aortic wall stress computation. This approach consists of the following two steps: (1) computing an "almost true" stress field from the in vivo geometries and loading conditions, (2) building an objective function based on the "almost true" stress fields, constitutive equations and deformation relations, and estimating the material parameters by minimizing the objective function. The method was validated through numerical experiments by using the in vivo data from four ascending aortic aneurysm (AsAA) patients. The results demonstrated that the method is computationally efficient. This novel approach may facilitate the personalized biomechanical analysis of aortic tissues in clinical applications, such as in the rupture risk analysis of ascending aortic aneurysms.

Reversible spinal cord ischemia as a complication of acute aortic intramural hematoma

Aortic intramural hematoma is a variant of acute aortic dissection characterized by localized hemorrhage into the aortic media causing a separation of the intimal and adventitial layers of the aorta. Malperfusion represents an unusual presenting sign of acute intramural hematoma. Herein, we describe the case of a patient with an acute Type A IMH who developed reversible ischemic spinal cord syndrome after presenting with paraplegia as a consequence of malperfusion. A decision was made to delay operative repair and, instead, emergently apply medical interventions to increase spinal cord perfusion pressure. Medical treatment was effective for the treatment of spinal cord ischemia and operative repair of the intramural hematoma was accomplished after complete recovery of neurologic function. This is the third case ever reported of an intramural hematoma presenting in the form of spinal cord ischemia.

Treatment patterns and their outcomes of acute aortic intramural hematoma in real world: multicenter registry for aortic intramural hematoma

Background

Intramural hematoma of the aorta (IMH), a variant of classic aortic dissection, shows very dynamic process in the early phase. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with acute aortic IMH from real world registry data.

Methods

We analyzed 165 consecutive patients with acute IMH from five medical centers in Korea. All patients were divided into two groups; type A (n = 61, 37.0%) and type B (n = 104, 63.0%) according to the Stanford classification. Clinical outcomes and morphological evolution by CT were analyzed for 2 years.

Results

Most of the patients (77.0% of type A and 99.0% of type B, P < 0.001) were treated medically during their initial hospitalization. There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (4.9% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.671) and 2-year mortality (13.1% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.765) between two groups. During the 2-year follow up period, progression to aortic dissection (18.0% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.037) and surgical treatment (29.5% vs. 2.9%, P < 0.001) were higher in type A. For the type A patients, there were no significant difference in in-hospital mortality (7.1% of surgery vs. 4.3% of medical, P = 0.428) and 2-year mortality (7.1% of surgery vs. 14.9% of medical, P = 0.450) in terms of initial treatment strategy.

Conclusion

For real world practice in Korea, most of IMH patients were treated medically at presentation and showed favorable outcomes. Thus, even in type A acute IMH, early medical treatment with alternative surgical conversion for selected, complicated cases would be a favorable treatment option.

A catastrophic cause of chest pain

Chest pain can be a manifestation of aortic pathology and must be considered in any patient with a history of chest trauma, hypertension, atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorder and/or radiographically abnormal aortic contours. Acute intramural haematoma can resemble acute myocardial infarction and can be life-threatening if not correctly diagnosed. Electrocardiogram (ECG) must be carried out in all patients as it helps distinguish acute myocardial infarction (for which antiplatelets and anticoagulants may be life-saving) from intramural haematoma (for which these drugs may be detrimental). Other imaging modalities may be considered depending upon the clinical situation.

Imaging modalities for the early diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome

The term acute aortic syndrome (AAS) incorporates aortic dissection, intramural haematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. The common feature of these entities is disruption of the medial layer of the aortic wall. Owing to the life-threatening nature of these conditions, prompt and accurate diagnosis is of paramount importance--misdiagnosis can be fatal. The noninvasive imaging techniques that have a fundamental role in the diagnosis and management of patients with AAS include CT, MRI, transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). CT is the most-commonly used imaging modality owing to its wide availability, accuracy, and large field of view. CT plus TTE is the best combination for diagnosing AAS and its complications, and allows important morphological and dynamic aspects of AAS to be assessed and appropriately managed. Ideally, TEE should be performed immediately before surgery or endovascular treatment, in the operating theatre and under general anaesthesia. In stable patients with an uncertain diagnosis of intramural haematoma despite high clinical suspicion, MRI is the technique of choice to make a definitive diagnosis. Imaging techniques have an important role in the primary diagnosis, treatment strategy, and risk stratification of patients with AAS.

Impact of controlled pericardial drainage on critical cardiac tamponade with acute type A aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

Cardiac tamponade is associated with fatal outcomes for patients with acute type A aortic dissection, and the presence of cardiac tamponade should prompt urgent aortic repair. However, treatment of the patient with critical cardiac tamponade who cannot survive until surgery remains unclear. We analyzed our experience of controlled pericardial drainage (CPD) managing critical cardiac tamponade.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between September 2003 and May 2011, 175 patients with acute type A aortic dissection were treated surgically, including 43 (24.6%) who presented with cardiac tamponade on arrival. Eighteen patients, who did not respond to intravenous volume resuscitation, underwent CPD in the emergency department. An 8F pigtail drainage catheter was inserted percutaneously, and drainage volume was controlled by means of several cycles of intermittent drainage to maintain blood pressure at ≈90 mm Hg. After CPD, all of the patients were transferred to the operating room, and immediate aortic repair was performed. Systolic blood pressure before CPD was 64.3 ± 8.2 mm Hg and elevated significantly in all of the cases after CPD. Systolic blood pressure after CPD was 94.8 ± 10.5 mm Hg, and increase in systolic pressure was 30.5 ± 11.7 mm Hg. Total volume of aspirated pericardial effusion was 40.1 ± 30.6 mL, and 10 patients required only ≤30-mL aspiration volume. All of the patients underwent aortic repair successfully. In-hospital mortality was 16.7%; however, there was no complications or mortality related to CPD.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative pericardial drainage with control of volume is a safe and effective procedure for acute type A aortic dissection complicated by critical cardiac tamponade. In our patient population, timely controlled pericardial drainage is warranted.

Endovascular management of acute aortic syndromes

The term "acute aortic syndrome" (AAS) refers to a spectrum of life-threatening thoracic aortic pathologies including intramural hematoma, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, and aortic dissection. Clinically, patients often present with characteristic aortic pain. AAS often leads to aortic rupture. Therefore, recognition of this condition, its prompt diagnosis, and timely treatment is crucial to obtain clinical success and improved overall survival. The management of AAS, however, remains a therapeutic challenge. Endovascular strategies have gained wide acceptance and now represent a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. Several studies have shown endovascular repair of varying thoracic aortic pathologies to be technically feasible with fewer complications than open surgery. In this review, the authors discuss AAS pathology and its management, with particular attention to the current role of endovascular aortic repair and its treatment.

Type A aortic intramural hematoma: clinical features and outcomes in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes for Chinese patients with type A intramural hematoma (IMH).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 90 patients with Stanford type A acute aortic syndrome who presented to our institution from 1998 to 2005 and evaluated the presentation, management, and clinical outcomes of acute IMH by comparing these patients with those diagnosed with classical aortic dissection (AD). A total of 34 patients had IMH and they tended to be older (69.7 ± 12.4 versus 60.5 ± 16.2 years; p=0.006). The development of pericardial effusion was more frequent in patients with IMH than in patients with AD. They were also less likely to receive surgery as compared to AD patients (26.5% versus 73.2%; p<0.0001). Overall mortality of IMH was not significantly higher than that of classic AD (29.4% versus 21.4%; p=0.45). For IMH patients, the mortality rate with medical treatment was 32%. Ten (40%) of the 25 medically treated patients developed adverse outcomes. However, no independent predictors of adverse outcomes were identified in the study. In follow-up imaging studies of 15 patients who survived IMH without surgical repair, 14 patients showed complete resolution of IMH and 1 progressed into classical AD.

CONCLUSION

Acute type A IMH in Chinese patients showed a high mortality rate with medical treatment. It has a highly unpredictable course with no reliable clinical and anatomical predictors. Surgical therapy should be the treatment of choice for Chinese patients with acute IMH, especially those who are younger and have less comorbidities.

Acute type A aortic dissection: surgical intervention for all: PRO

Acute aortic dissection remains the most common of all aortic catastrophes and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Urgent surgical intervention should be considered in all patients with acute type A aortic dissection. Immediate repair is performed for those who are hypotensive due to rupture and tamponade and who exhibit malperfusion of the coronary, cerebrovascular, visceral, or peripheral arterial systems. Selective delayed management with eventual repair may be assumed in patients with type A intramural hematoma and in those with coma (potential neurologic devastation), assuming that neurologic status improves. Urgent repair should not be precluded in patients presenting with active stroke, older age, and previous cardiac surgery. Ultimately, each patient should be individualized and the decision to intervene left to the surgeon.

Clinical Outcomes of Medical Treatment of Acute Type A Intramural Hematoma

A retrospective study was performed in 30 patients who were treated for type A intramural hematoma from 1999 to 2008, of whom 24 were initially treated without surgical intervention. These 24 patients were followed up for 3.3 ± 3.5 years (range, 0 days to 10.0 years). Four hospital deaths occurred (hospital mortality, 16.7%), there were 2 late deaths, and 2 other patients needed an operation during the follow-up period. The event-free survival rate (freedom from death or surgery) at 5 years was significantly lower in patients with maximal aortic diameter ≤48 mm than in those with diameters <48 mm (28.6% ± 17.1% vs. 88.2% ± 7.8%). Maximal aortic diameter ≤48 mm and computed tomography findings of a small intimal defect were significant predictors of rupture or progression of ascending aortic dissection. The outcome of medical treatment for type A intramural hematoma was acceptable during both the early and late periods, but patients with a relatively large aortic diameter or an intimal defect in the ascending aorta have a high probability of adverse outcome, and must be considered for surgery.

Natural history of spontaneous aortic intramural hematoma progression: six years follow-up with cardiovascular magnetic resonance

We described a 6 years follow-up of a spontaneous aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examination. Since multiple factors may play roles in the natural history of IMH, the patient experienced the course of progression, which included hematoma absorption, ulcer-like lesion, aneurysm and limited dissection. The initial and follow-up CMR examination included 3D CE MRA and non-enhanced "bright blood" pulse sequence. The inherent advantage of outstanding contrast with plain scan, which shorten the scan time and avoid potential risk of contrast agent, might make the fast gradient echo sequence as an alternative method when following stable IMH.

CT and MRI in diseases of the aorta

OBJECTIVE

This review focuses on the role of CT and MRI in the diagnosis, follow-up, and surgical planning of aortic aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes, including aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating aortic ulcer. It also provides a systematic approach to the definition, causes, natural history, and imaging principles of these diseases.

CONCLUSION

An understanding of the pathophysiology, natural history, and imaging features is the key to successful diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with these aortic diseases.

Intramural haematoma of the thoracic aorta: who's to be alerted the cardiologist or the cardiac surgeon?

This review article is written so as to present the pathophysiology, the symptomatology and the ways of diagnosis and treatment of a rather rare aortic disease called Intra-Mural Haematoma (IMH). Intramural haematoma is a quite uncommon but potentially lethal aortic disease that can strike as a primary occurrence in hypertensive and atherosclerotic patients to whom there is spontaneous bleeding from vasa vasorum into the aortic wall (media) or less frequently, as the evolution of a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). IMH displays a typical of dissection progress, and could be considered as a precursor of classic aortic dissection. IMH enfeebles the aortic wall and may progress to either outward rupture of the aorta or inward disruption of the intima layer, which ultimately results in aortic dissection. Chest and back acute penetrating pain is the most commonly noticed symptom at patients with IMH. Apart from a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), a tomographic imaging such as a chest computed tomography (CT), a magnetic resonance (MRI) and most lately a multy detector computed tomography (MDCT) can ensure a quick and accurate diagnosis of IMH. Similar to type A and B aortic dissection, surgery is indicated at patients with type-A IMH, as well as at patients with a persistent and/or recurrent pain. For any other patient (with type-B IMH without an incessant pain and/or without complications), medical treatment is suggested, as applied in the case of aortic dissection. The outcome of IMH in ascending aorta (type A) appears favourable after immediate (emergent or urgent) surgical intervention, but according to international bibliography patients with IMH of the descending aorta (type B) show similar mortality rates to those being subjected to conservative medical or surgical treatment. Endovascular surgery and stent-graft placement is currently indicated in type B IMH.

Imaging features of intramural hematoma of the aorta

Intramural hematoma (IMH) is defined as localized hemorrhage within the aortic wall and is included in the acute aortic syndrome spectrum with aortic dissection and penetrating aortic ulcer. The mortality from IMH is similar to classic aortic dissection (21%). 16% of patients with IMH will evolve to classic aortic dissection over time. Despite this confusion exists regarding the precise definitions and radiologic features of IMH versus penetrating ulcers with mural thrombus and overt aortic dissection.

Natural history and CT appearances of aortic intramural hematoma

Rupture of the vasa vasorum into the media of the aortic wall results in an aortic intramural hematoma. Characteristic findings of an aortic intramural hematoma include a crescentic hyperattenuating fluid collection at unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and a smooth, nonenhancing, thickened aortic wall at contrast material-enhanced CT. The CT appearance of untreated intramural hematomas evolves over time, and decreased attenuation is a clue to the chronicity of a hematoma. CT is particularly useful for evaluating aortic intramural hematomas because it allows their differentiation from aortic dissections, which have similar clinical manifestations, and permits an exact determination of their location-crucial information for surgical planning. On the basis of CT findings, some hematomas may be expected to resolve spontaneously, whereas others may be identified as posing a high risk for serious complications such as aortic dissection, aneurysm, and rupture. Appropriate clinical management is aided by accurate recognition of diagnostically specific CT features and awareness of their significance.

Endovascular stent-graft management of aortic intramural hematomas

PURPOSE

To report initial experience with endovascular stent-grafting in aortic intramural hematoma (IMH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2000 to 2006, 15 patients (mean age, 67 years; range, 54-83 y) underwent endovascular treatment of aortic IMH. Thirteen patients were admitted for acute aortic syndrome and two for traumatic aortic injury. An endovascular procedure was performed as primary treatment for four patients (type A IMH, n = 3; type B IMH, n = 1) and as a second-line therapy in 11 patients because of unfavorable evolution (type A IMH, n = 1; type B IMH, n = 10). All stent-grafts were placed in the descending aorta, even for type A IMH. The mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 6-72 months).

RESULTS

The primary success rate was 93%, with complete exclusion of the lesion (n = 14). Exclusion was partial for one patient with a type I endoleak (7%). The 30-day mortality rate was zero. IMH evolution was favorable in all cases, with decreased aortic wall thickening (n = 8) or complete regression (n = 7). Complications associated with endovascular repair were mainly related to aneurysm formation (20%). The late death rate was 7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular stent-graft treatment can be performed in the management of complicated IMH, even in some cases of type A IMH, when an intimal lesion is located in the isthmus or descending aorta with contraindications to surgery. This procedure offers low morbidity and mortality rates, representing a feasible therapeutic option especially for elderly patients with comorbidities. Further studies are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

Acute aortic dissection: perspectives from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD)

Acute aortic dissection is a rare but deadly disease first described over 200 years ago by the physician to the late King George II on necropsy. Over the ensuing 2 centuries, the understanding of the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up has matured. In an effort to understand the contemporary treatment of this disease, the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) has enrolled over 2000 patients over the past 12 years. In this article we summarize the key lessons learned from this multi-national registry of patients presenting with acute aortic dissection.

Descending thoracic aortic dissections

Type B dissection has traditionally been managed medically if uncomplicated and surgically if associated with complications. This practice has resulted in most centers reporting significant morbidity and mortality if open repair is required. In the setting of malperfusion, operative repair has been conjoined with fenestration or visceral stenting to improve outcomes. Endovascular stent grafts seem to offer an attractive alternative in the acute complicated type B dissection, with reduced mortality and morbidity, particularly paralysis, compared with open repair. It is reasonable to consider endovascular stent grafts as another tool in managing dissection, but to recognize that open surgical repair still plays an important role, and that the data that define indications and outcomes are still emerging.