Outcome After Conservative and Endovascular Treatment of Stanford Type B Aortic Intramural Hematomas - A Single-Center Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is a rare disease. Thus far, only limited data is available and the indications for conservative and endovascular treatment are not well defined. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical presentation, course, CT imaging features and outcome of patients with type B aortic IMHs.

METHODS

We included all patients with type B IMHs between 2012 and 2021 in this retrospective monocentric study. Clinical data, localization, thickness of IMHs and the presence of ulcer-like projections (ULPs) was evaluated before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Thirty five patients (20 females; 70.3 y ± 11 y) were identified. Almost all IMHs (n = 34) were spontaneous and symptomatic with back pain (n = 34). At the time of diagnosis, TEVAR was deemed indicated in 9 patients, 26 patients were treated primarily conservatively. During the follow-up, in another 16 patients TEVAR was deemed indicated. Endovascularly and conservatively treated patients both showed decrease in thickness after treatment. Patients without ULPs showed more often complete resolution of the IMH than patients with ULPs (endovascularly treated 90.9% (10/11) vs 71.4% (5/7); conservatively treated 71.4% (10/14) vs 33.3% (1/3); P = .207). Complications after TEVAR occurred in 32% and more frequently in patients treated primarily conservatively (37.5% vs 22.2%). No in-hospital mortality was observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Prognosis of IMH seems favourable in both surgically as well as conservatively treated patients. However, it is essential to identify patients at high risk for complications under conservative treatment, who therefore should be treated by TEVAR. In our study, ULPs seem to be an adverse factor for remodeling.

Features and outcomes of focal intimal disruption in acute type B intramural hematoma

OBJECTIVES

Focal intimal disruption is a risk factor for adverse aorta-related events in acute type B intramural haematoma patients. This study evaluated the impact of focal intimal disruption on overall survival with a selective intervention strategy for large or growing focal intimal disruptions. Additionally, this study evaluated the risk factors associated with the growth of focal intimal disruption.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all consecutive patients admitted for acute type B intramural haematoma between November 2004 and April 2021. The primary outcome was overall survival. The secondary outcome was cumulative incidence of composite aortic events and the growth of focal intimal disruption. The latter was calculated on centerline-reconstructed computed tomography images.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients were included. A total of 106 focal intimal disruptions were identified in 73 patients (73/105, 69.5%). The 1- and 5-year cumulative incidence rates of composite aortic events were 36.2% and 39.2%, respectively. The 1- and 5-year overall survival were 93.3% and 81.5%, respectively. Initial maximal aortic diameter and large focal intimal disruption during acute phase were significant risk factors for composite aortic event, but not risk factors for overall survival. Early appearance interval of focal intimal disruption was a significant risk factor for growth of focal intimal disruption.

CONCLUSIONS

With a selective intervention strategy for large or growing focal intimal disruptions, the presence of large focal intimal disruption during acute phase does not affect overall survival. Early appearance interval was associated with the growth of focal intimal disruption.

Tailored treatment modality in acute type A intramural hematoma

OBJECTIVES

Intramural hematoma may be generated by a minimal intimal tear. Most surgeries for acute type A intramural hematoma are performed on the proximal aorta alone regardless of the intimal tear site. Under the assumption that major adverse aortic events (MAAEs) would be related to the location of primary intimal tear, we reviewed preoperative computed tomography scan findings.

METHODS

Sixty patients with acute type A intramural hematoma who underwent surgery from January 2008 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The maximal diameter, maximal thickness of the intramural hematoma, and hematoma thickness ratio of the ascending and descending aortae were measured. MAAEs were defined as newly developed aortic dissection, rupture, newly developed penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU), enlargement of the PAU, and aortic death.

RESULTS

The number of patients with PAU in the descending aorta (dPAU) was significantly higher in the MAAE (+) group. The MAAE (+) group showed lower measurements of the ascending aorta and higher measurements of the descending aorta than the MAAE (-) group. In the univariate analysis, dPAU, hematoma thickness ratio of the ascending and descending aortae, and descending aorta hematoma thickness >8.58 mm were risk factors of MAAE. Intimal tear noted intraoperatively and ascending aorta hematoma thickness >10.25 mm were protective factors of MAAE.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortopathies (ie, PAU, ulcer-like projections, and the hematoma thickness ratio) are important clues to determine the location of intimal tear. Occurrence of MAAEs seems to be highly related to the pathology of the descending aorta. The modalities of treatment for stable acute type A intramural hematoma that do not meet the existing guidelines should be tailored to the location of the intimal tear.

CT characteristics and clinical implications of acute type A aortic intramural hematoma

Objectives

Computed tomography (CT) has been increasingly used in the diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome, and a number of high-risk CT imaging features have been reported. We aimed to identify CT imaging findings suggesting high-risk for acute aortic syndrome by examining clinical outcomes of patients with acute type A aortic intramural hematoma (TAIMH).

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the relationship of clinical patient characteristics and imaging features with mortality and aortic events in 63 patients receiving initial medical treatment for TAIMH. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of aortic events, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze survival and aortic events.

Results

During a median follow-up of 4.2 years, 25 patients experienced aortic events and 40% of these occurred within 7 days of admission. In total, 12 patients experienced aortic death and 12 patients underwent open aortic surgery or endovascular stenting for aortic disease. In multivariate regression analysis, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAUs) or ulcer-like projections (ULPs) (P = 0.04) and pericardial effusion (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of aortic events. In the Cox regression model, PAUs/ULPs (P = 0.04) and pericardial effusion (P = 0.04) were independently associated with lower aortic event-free survival.

Conclusion

Identification of high-risk CT features is important for clinical decision-making during TAIMH treatment. Early and frequent CT imaging follow-up is required in patients receiving medical treatment. PAUs/ULP and pericardial effusion were the strongest predictors of adverse aortic events.

Ulcer-like projections into the dilated false lumen after stent-graft placement for aortic dissection: A case report

RATIONALE

Acute type A aortic dissection and chronic type B aortic dissection (TBAD) occurs simultaneously in rare cases. Although the development of ulcer-like projection (ULP) is associated with an increase in adverse aorta-related events, the false-lumen enlargement caused by the ULP progression is uncommon.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 72-year-old female with chronic TBAD was admitted to our unit with back and chest pain. Computed tomography revealed acute type A aortic dissection and a hematoma caused by rupturing of the descending aorta due to chronic TBAD. After endovascular intervention, the false lumen thrombosed and shrunk.

DIAGNOSIS

After 9 months, a developing ULP, which projected into a dilating false lumen, was found. An impending ruptured descending aortic aneurysm was confirmed.

INTERVENTIONS

Emergency Total arch replacement and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed.

OUTCOMES

The procedure was successful. One year later, regular follow-up showed that the false lumen had completely shrunk.

LESSONS

ULP can arise and cause progressive dilation of false lumen after TEVAR. Careful and regular computed tomography examinations are required for early diagnosis of false lumen becoming thrombosed after TEVAR. Close follow-up and timely intervention, including TEVAR, should be considered in cases of aortic enlargement due to a newly developed ULP.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Retrograde Type A Intramural Hematoma With Intimal Disruption in the Descending Aorta

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for retrograde type A intramural hematoma (IMH) with intimal disruption in the descending aorta and report our endovascular therapeutic experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2014 to October 2020, a total of 24 consecutive patients with retrograde type A IMH with intimal disruption (intimal tear or ulcer-like projection) in the descending aorta underwent TEVAR. The demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment details, imaging information, and follow-up results were reviewed.

RESULTS

Among all patients with retrograde type A IMH, 13 (54.2%) patients presented with ulcer-like projection and 11 (45.8%) with intimal tear (aortic dissection) in the descending aorta. Successful TEVAR was achieved in all patients. There was no 30-day mortality. During a mean follow-up of 37.5 months, 1 patient (4.2%) developed permanent paralysis, 1 patient (4.2%) underwent reintervention due to the expansion of the aorta distal to the stent resulting from the enlargement of distal intimal tear at the 2 month follow up, and no other adverse events were observed. The latest computed tomographic angiography images showed that the maximum diameter of the ascending aorta and descending aorta significantly decreased after TEVAR (both p<0.001), and the IMH/false lumen in the ascending aorta and the descending thoracic aorta were completely absorbed.

CONCLUSION

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for selected patients with retrograde type A intramural hematoma that presented with intimal disruption in the descending aorta is feasible and efficient, but close surveillance is needed to manage aortic-related adverse events.

Difficulty Diagnosing Retrograde Type A Aortic Dissection with Intramural Hematoma and Risk of Re-dissection and Rupture: A Report of Two Cases

Acute type A aortic dissection is a potentially fatal disease, and emergency surgery should be considered when it is diagnosed. We herein report two cases of retrograde type A aortic dissection with intramural hematoma, followed by re-dissection, rupture, and cardiac tamponade. The diagnoses in these cases had to be made carefully, as the false lumen of the ascending aorta was sometimes unclear on contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Multidetector Computed Tomography in Traumatic and Nontraumatic Aortic Emergencies: Emphasis on Acute Aortic Syndromes

Aortic emergencies comprise of a list of conditions which are uncommon but are potentially fatal. Prognosis is usually determined by emergent diagnosis and treatment and hence radiology plays a key role in patient management. In this article, we aim to review the various causes of aortic emergencies and the relevant imaging findings placing special emphasis on acute aortic syndromes.