cardiovascular-agents and Aortic-Dissection

Myocardial infarction (MI) in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is prevalent in around 5% of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presentations. MINOCA is a heterogeneous entity with many different etiologies. It is important for health care providers to familiarize themselves with the disease process, presentation, and possible underlying causes in order to guide appropriate management strategies. In this article, the authors review the contemporary definition, etiologies and assessment, and management for AMI patients with MINOCA.

Topics: Aortic Dissection; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Circulation; Coronary Vasospasm; Coronary Vessels; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Myocarditis; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy; Thromboembolism

Topics: Acute Disease; Analgesics; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Clinical Decision-Making; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Humans; Patient Selection; Postoperative Complications; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Thoracic Surgery; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Isolated spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) without aortic dissection is being increasingly recognized. This study aimed to evaluate the latest clinical characteristics and optimal treatment.. We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Clinical Trial.gov databases through December 31, 2016, using the following words: "superior mesenteric artery" and "dissection." We retrieved articles presenting the treatment and outcomes of isolated SMA dissection published in English. We investigated the patient characteristics, treatments, follow-up, and prognoses. Additionally, we compared mortality rates and assessed the need for additional interventions between treatment strategies in symptomatic patients without accompanying proof of bowel ischemia or aneurysm, which require immediate endovascular treatment or surgery.. We identified 51 articles with 721 patients. The initial treatments in symptomatic patients without accompanying proof of bowel ischemia or aneurysm were conservative treatment (82.1%), endovascular treatment (14.3%), catheter-directed infusion of medication (2.1%), and surgery (1.5%). Additional treatment was needed in 18.1% of patients receiving conservative treatment and 2.4% of patients receiving endovascular treatment (P = 0.0003). Mortality was not significantly different between each treatment strategy (P = 0.92).. There was no significant difference in mortality of symptomatic SMA dissection patients without accompanying proof of bowel ischemia or aneurysm between interventional treatment and conservative treatment. An additional treatment is needed in a minority of patients receiving conservative treatment, however, more frequently than in those receiving endovascular treatment.

Topics: Aneurysm, Ruptured; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Conservative Treatment; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Mesenteric Artery, Superior; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Splanchnic Circulation; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Current treatment options and outcomes for acute uncomplicated thoracic Type-B aortic dissection (TBAD) remain unclear between medical management (MED) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). In this study we aim to compare both strategies in terms of all-cause mortality, aortic dilation, and aortic rupture.. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from January 1990 through March 2017. Only studies comparing TEVAR to MED for acute uncomplicated TBAD were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool outcomes across studies. Study outcomes included short (1 month), intermediate (1 year), and mid-term (2-5 year) all-cause mortality. Additional outcomes included aortic dilation and rupture at 1 year.. A total of 1,960 patients (64.3 years; 75.8% male) were included from six studies (one prospective and five retrospective). No difference was observed in short-term (odd ratio [OR] 0.73 with 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47 to 1.12, P = 0.15), intermediate (OR 0.99 with 95% CI 0.56 to 1.73, P = 0.96), or mid-term all-cause mortality (OR 1.12 with 95% CI 0.54 to 2.32, P = 0.75). No difference in aortic dilation with either modality was noted at 1-year (OR 1.11 with 95% CI 0.76 to 1.64, P = 0.59). TEVAR was associated with a significantly lower 1-year risk of aortic rupture (OR 2.49 with 95% CI 1.23 to 5.06, P = 0.01).. There were no short, intermediate, or mid-term differences in mortality between TEVAR or MED in patients with acute uncomplicated TBAD. Although the dilation rate was similar between both groups, TEVAR was associated with lower likelihood of aortic rupture at 1 year.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies are common situations in clinical practice. Hypertensive urgencies are characterized by acute elevation of blood pressure without target organ damage. Hypertensive emergencies are life-threatening situations characterized by acute elevation of blood pressure and target organ damage. The aims of blood pressure control, antihypertensive drugs to use and route of administration will depend on the presence or absence of target organ damage and individual patient characteristics. The correct diagnosis and treatment of these situations are essential for patient prognosis. © 2017 SEHLELHA. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Topics: Acute Disease; Ambulatory Care; Antihypertensive Agents; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Catecholamines; Emergencies; Hospitalization; Humans; Hypertension, Malignant; Hypertensive Encephalopathy; Stress, Psychological

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. In the literature, more than 1,200 cases of SCAD have been reported, with a low rate of recurrent spontaneous coronary artery dissection (r-SCAD) described in only 63 cases. Among these patients with r-SCAD, just three cases had three separate episodes of dissection and all were in women. We report the first case of r-SCAD in men, with three episodes of dissection in different coronary arteries and review the published literature on predisposing factors for r-SCAD and its management.

Topics: Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Predictive Value of Tests; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome

Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a life-threatening aortic disease. The initial management goal is to prevent aortic rupture, propagation of the dissection, and symptoms by reducing the heart rate and blood pressure. Uncomplicated TBAD patients require prompt medical management to prevent aortic dilatation or rupture during subsequent follow-up. Complicated TBAD patients require immediate invasive management to prevent death or injury caused by rupture or malperfusion. Recent developments in diagnosis and management have reduced mortality related to TBAD considerably. In particular, the introduction of thoracic stent-grafts has shifted the management from surgical to endovascular repair, contributing to a fourfold increase in early survival in complicated TBAD. Furthermore, endovascular repair is now considered in some uncomplicated TBAD patients in addition to optimal medical therapy. For more challenging aortic dissection patients with involvement of the aortic arch, hybrid approaches, combining open and endovascular repair, have had promising results. Regardless of the chosen management strategy, strict antihypertensive control should be administered to all TBAD patients in addition to close imaging surveillance. Future developments in stent-graft design, medical therapy, surgical and hybrid techniques, imaging, and genetic screening may improve the outcomes of TBAD patients even further. We present a comprehensive review of the recommended management strategy based on current evidence in the literature.

Topics: Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Aortography; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Computed Tomography Angiography; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome

A type B dissection involves the aorta distal to the subclavian artery, and accounts for 25-40% of aortic dissections. Approximately 75% of these are uncomplicated with no malperfusion or ischemia. Multiple consensus statements recommend thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) as the treatment of choice for acute complicated type B aortic dissections, while uncomplicated type B dissections are traditionally treated with medical management alone, including strict blood pressure control, as open repairs have a prohibitively high morbidity of up to 31%. However, with medical treatment alone, the morbidity, including aneurysm degeneration of the affected segment, is 30%, and mortality is 10% over 5 years. For both chronic and acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissections, emerging evidence supports the use of both best medical therapy and TEVAR. This paper reviews the current diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated type B aortic dissections.

Topics: Algorithms; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Critical Pathways; Endovascular Procedures; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome

Type B aortic dissection is a relatively uncommon and multifaceted disease, whose management is ongoing debated. Its wide range of clinical presentations and anatomical features hamper the early identification and medical management. In the past few years, the introduction of endovascular techniques opened new paradigms in comprehension and management of aortic diseases. Aim of this review is to discuss contemporary therapeutic approaches of acute type B aortic dissections highlighting the growing role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in focusing its complex physiopathology.. Prompt medical therapy followed by endovascular repair should be considered as the gold standard in complicated acute type B aortic dissection. Moreover, recent findings also suggest a potential benefit in case of uncomplicated cases.. Management of acute type B aortic dissection is progressively shifting into endovascular approach. However, further studies are warranted to define the optimal treatment strategy in each subset of patients and anatomical features.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Disease Management; Endovascular Procedures; Humans

Mesenteric artery dissection was once thought to be rare but has been identified more frequently with increasing use of computerized tomographic angiographic imaging. Multiple reports advocate a wide range of treatment including medical therapy, endovascular, and surgical intervention, with no clear guidelines for the application of each treatment.. A systematic review of the literature was analyzed and used to create a treatment algorithm that was applied to nine patients in our institution.. Although medical therapy is adequate for most patients with mesenteric artery dissection, 14% failed medical therapy, sometimes with severe consequences. Asymptomatic status on presentation predicted successful medical therapy for superior mesenteric artery dissection (P = .0037).. Intensive surveillance is indicated during medical therapy, and invasive intervention may be necessary.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Algorithms; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Critical Pathways; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Mesenteric Arteries; Middle Aged; Patient Selection; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Aortic aneurysms are a common finding in elderly patients. Rupture of an aortic aneurysm is a catastrophic event associated with a very high mortality.. To review the current literature on aortic aneurysmal disease, including the recommended referral threshold, surveillance guidelines and treatment options.. Screening of men aged 65 years and over has been shown to reduce aneurysm related mortality, however, no formal screening guidelines exist in Australia. In addition to the risk of aneurysm expansion and rupture, patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Small aneurysms should be managed with surveillance and cardiovascular risk factor modification. Large aneurysms should be referred promptly to a vascular surgeon for assessment and repair. Symptomatic and ruptured aneurysms require emergency assessment and treatment. Advances in endovascular techniques enable most patients with aortic aneurysms to be treated with minimally invasive stent grafts, which have lower perioperative complication rates than open repair.

Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Dissection; Aortic Rupture; Australia; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Mass Screening; Population Surveillance; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Referral and Consultation; Risk Factors

Currently thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) has a limited role in uncomplicated type B aortic dissection. Aggressive medical therapy is deemed appropriate for most of these patients allowing one-year survival rate of 80-90%. Outcomes are less than optimal in the long term, however, since aorta related complications (disease progression, rapid deterioration, acute rupture and elevated mortality) may occur in up to 50% of patients at five years. Subgroups of patients with uncomplicated type B dissection may benefit from early stent-graft placement, but identification of these remains difficult. Only future studies, especially randomized trials, will clarify the utility of early TEVAR in the setting of uncomplicated acute type B dissection.

Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; Evidence-Based Medicine; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; Humans; Patient Selection; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Acute aortic syndromes (AAS) comprise a group of potentially lethal conditions that require prompt recognition, diagnosis as well as acute medical stabilization and surgical intervention. The purpose of this article is to review the relevant variants of AAS presentation, as well as diagnostic and management issues, including adequate long-term medical therapy and follow-up imaging. In this context, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association recently published guidelines on the management of thoracic aortic disease, drawing greater attention to these processes.

Topics: Acute Disease; Angioplasty; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Aortic Rupture; Aortography; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Marfan Syndrome; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Postoperative Complications; Registries; Risk Factors; Stents; Survival Rate; Syndrome; Ulcer

Aortic dissection represents the most common aortic emergency, affecting 3 to 4 per 100,000 people per year and is still associated with a high mortality. Twenty percent of the patients with aortic dissection die before reaching hospital and 30% die during hospital admission. Aortic dissections may be classified in 3 ways: according to their anatomical extent (the Stanford or DeBakey systems), according to the time from onset (acute or chronic), and according to the underlying pathology (the European Society of Cardiologists' system). Advances in endovascular technology have provided new treatment options. Hybrid endovascular and conventional open surgical repair represent the mainstay of treatment for acute type A dissection. Medical management remains the gold standard for acute and uncomplicated chronic type B dissection, though endovascular surgery offers exciting potential in the management of complicated type B dissection through sealing of the intimal entry tear.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Chronic Disease; Humans; Patient Selection; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Topics: Acute Disease; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome

Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this article, the authors review basic biology of the aorta and aortic dissection, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, emergency stabilization measures, and the latest surgical approach for type B dissection.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Diagnostic Imaging; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Comorbidity; Contraindications; Critical Care; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Risk Factors; Stroke; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), formerly called fibromuscular fibroplasia, is a group of nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory arterial diseases that most commonly involve the renal and carotid arteries. The prevalence of symptomatic renal artery FMD is about 4/1000 and the prevalence of cervicocranial FMD is probably half that. Histological classification discriminates three main subtypes, intimal, medial and perimedial, which may be associated in a single patient. Angiographic classification includes the multifocal type, with multiple stenoses and the 'string-of-beads' appearance that is related to medial FMD, and tubular and focal types, which are not clearly related to specific histological lesions. Renovascular hypertension is the most common manifestation of renal artery FMD. Multifocal stenoses with the 'string-of-beads' appearance are observed at angiography in more than 80% of cases, mostly in women aged between 30 and 50 years; they generally involve the middle and distal two-thirds of the main renal artery and in some case also renal artery branches. Cervicocranial FMD can be complicated by dissection with headache, Horner's syndrome or stroke, or can be associated with intracerebral aneurysms with a risk of subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage. The etiology of FMD is unknown, although various hormonal and mechanical factors have been suggested. Subclinical lesions are found at arterial sites distant from the stenotic arteries, and this suggests that FMD is a systemic arterial disease. It appears to be familial in 10% of cases. Noninvasive diagnostic tests include, in increasing order of accuracy, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography angiography. The gold standard for diagnosing FMD is catheter angiography, but this invasive procedure is only used for patients in whom it is clinically pertinent to proceed with revascularization during the same procedure. Differential diagnosis include atherosclerotic stenoses and stenoses associated with vascular Ehlers-Danlos and Williams' syndromes, and type 1 neurofibromatosis. Management of cases with renovascular hypertension includes antihypertensive therapy, percutaneous angioplasty of severe stenoses, and reconstructive surgery in cases with complex FMD that extends to segmental arteries. The therapeutic options for securing ruptured intracerebral aneurysms are microvascular neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling. Stenosis progression in renal artery FMD is s

Topics: Adult; Age Distribution; Angiography; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Carotid Arteries; Causality; Comorbidity; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Fibromuscular Dysplasia; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Prognosis; Renal Artery; Sex Distribution; Vascular Diseases

Use of molecular tools to diagnose and treat aortic disease, in particular, aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections, is still in its infancy, with great advancements expected in the future. Currently under investigation are the genetic markers linked to aortic disease that may help to identify patients at risk for their development prior to clinical presentation. In addition, specific gene defects may be identified that can assist in the understanding of the basic mechanisms contributing to development of aortic disease. Biomarkers are under investigation that can be used to monitor the development, progression, and possible response to therapy for aortic aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes. Equally important, further investigations into the molecular mechanisms involved in aortic pathology will result in increased understanding of the disease etiology and will lead to development of alternate therapies for these diseases prior to their catastrophic development. With advances in molecular technology, the molecular diagnosis and treatment of aortic diseases will begin to expand at a rapid rate and provide unique, improved therapies.

Topics: Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Diseases; Aortic Dissection; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Agents; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Therapy; Humans; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Risk Factors; Signal Transduction; Syndrome

To investigate the impact of using paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) on outcome after post-angioplasty dissection in femoropopliteal arteries.. The angiograms obtained in the THUNDER study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00156624) were analyzed to compare degrees of dissection and angiographic parameters between the control (uncoated balloons, n=43) and treatment (PCBs, n=43) groups before and after the intervention and at 6-month follow-up. Furthermore, target lesion revascularizations (TLR) were documented up to 2 years.. In each group, 24 (56%) patients had a dissection after the intervention. At the 6-month follow-up, patients with dissection of any grade after treatment with PCBs had significantly less late lumen loss (0.4 mm) than patients with dissection after treatment with uncoated balloons (1.9 mm, p=0.001) and a lower degree of stenosis (20% vs. 51%, respectively; p=0.003). Patients with severe dissection (grades C, D, or E) especially seemed to benefit from the PCBs, with late lumen loss of 0.4 mm vs. 2.4 mm for controls (p=0.05). The binary restenosis rate was also markedly lower in the PCB group (20%) than in the uncoated group (55%, p=0.02). In the 2-year follow-up, TLR was performed in 56% of patients in the control group compared to 10% of patients in the PCB group (p=0.002).. The results of this subgroup analysis suggest that patients with dissection following treatment with a paclitaxel-coated balloon have a very acceptable outcome and stent implantation is not necessary as long as the dissection does not result in acute flow limitation.

Topics: Aged; Angioplasty, Balloon; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Constriction, Pathologic; Double-Blind Method; Equipment Design; Female; Femoral Artery; Germany; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paclitaxel; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Popliteal Artery; Prospective Studies; Radiography; Recurrence; Regional Blood Flow; Retreatment; Risk Factors; Stents; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Access Devices

Endovascular stent grafting represents a novel concept for type B aortic dissection both in the acute and subacute/chronic setting, with an unknown effect on outcomes.. In a prospective trial 140 patients with stable type B dissection were randomly subjected to elective stent-graft placement in addition to optimal medical therapy (n = 72) or to optimal medical therapy (n = 68) with surveillance (arterial pressure according to World Health Organization guidelines ≤ 120/80 mm Hg). The primary end point was 1-year all-cause mortality, whereas aorta-related mortality, progression (with need for conversion or additional endovascular or open surgical intervention), and aortic remodeling were secondary end points.. There was no difference in all-cause mortality: cumulative survival was 97.0% ± 3.4% with optimal medical therapy versus 91.3% ± 2.1% with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (P = .16). Moreover, aorta-related mortality was not different (P = .42), and the risk for the combined end point of aorta-related death (rupture) and progression (including conversion or additional endovascular or open surgical intervention) was similar (P = .86). Three neurologic adverse events occurred in the thoracic endovascular aortic repair group (1 paraplegia, 1 stroke, and 1 transient paraparesis) versus 1 episode of paraparesis with medical treatment. Finally, aortic remodeling (with true-lumen recovery and thoracic false-lumen thrombosis) occurred in 91.3% with thoracic endovascular aortic repair versus 19.4% with medical treatment (P < .001), which is suggestive of continued remodeling.. In survivors of uncomplicated type B aortic dissection, elective stent-graft placement does not improve 1-year survival and adverse events, despite favorable aortic remodeling.

Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Aortography; Blood Pressure; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Elective Surgical Procedures; Europe; Female; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stents; Survival Rate; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

Aneurysmal degeneration of medically managed type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can be a life-threatening condition. Preventive thoracic endovascular aorta repair (TEVAR) in patients at risk could potentially be beneficial. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors for late aneurysmal dilatation after TBAD.. A retrospective study was conducted on 82 patients with medically managed acute TBAD for a minimum of 14 days. Relevant demographic, biochemical, and radiographic variables at presentation were studied. The aortic dissection risk calculator tool developed by Sailer et al., predicting the risk of adverse events after aortic dissection based on demographic and radiographic variables at presentation, was tested retrospectively.. With a median follow-up of 36 months (range 13-68), 25 (30.5%) patients underwent surgery (92% TEVAR). A larger initial aortic and false lumen diameter as well as a greater distal extension of the dissection was associated with higher need for surgery (respectively, P = 0.003, P = 0.004, and P = 0.001). We observed higher growth rates of maximum aortic diameter in patients with a greater distal extension of the dissection, larger false lumen diameters and false lumen outflow, and entry tears located at the inner aortic arch (respectively, P = 0.001, P = 0.005, P = 0.001 and P = 0.014). No significant correlations could be found for the risks provided by the calculator tool.. The initial maximum aortic diameter of TBAD is a key predictor for aortic growth. Furthermore, the distal extension of the dissection also seems to play an important role in late aneurysmal degeneration. However, we were not able to confirm the added value of the risk calculator tool in our study group.

Topics: Aged; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Clinical Decision-Making; Decision Support Techniques; Disease Progression; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

To evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment for superior mesenteric artery dissection (SMAD) and its effect on superior mesenteric artery (SMA) remodeling compared with medical management alone after successful initial medical management.. In this retrospective analysis, all patients with spontaneous SMAD at a single institution were identified from March 2007 to August 2019. The primary outcomes were freedom from major adverse events (MAEs, a composite of dissection-related death, the recurrence of mesenteric ischemia symptoms, and a requirement for intervention). The secondary outcomes were morphologic remodeling of the dissections and stenosis or occlusion of the SMA.. A total of 94 patients with SMAD who underwent successful initial medical management (91 males; mean age, 50.4 ± 6.3 years) were enrolled in the study. Fifty-seven (60.6%) received medical management alone, and 37 (39.4%) underwent endovascular repair after initial medical management. In the endovascular group, the technical success rate was 86.5% (32 of 37). During a mean follow-up period of 33.6 ± 26.2 months (range, 1-120 months), nine (9.6%) patients experienced a recurrence of abdominal pain, and six had additional interventions for SMAD. The patients in the endovascular group showed more complete or partial remodeling (22 [81.1%] vs 24 [44.4%]; P < .0001) or unchanged dissections (5 [13.5%] vs 23 [42.6%]; P = .0001) than those in the conservative group. Survival analysis showed that the estimated MAE-free survival rates were 95.6%, 88.9%, and 85.4% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. There was a higher freedom from SMA stenosis or occlusion in the endovascular group (log rank P = .046).. Endovascular treatment and medical management alone result in similar MAE-free survival for patients with SMAD after successful initial medical management. Moreover, endovascular therapy is associated with a higher complete remodeling rate and greater freedom from SMA stenosis or occlusion.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Mesenteric Artery, Superior; Mesenteric Ischemia; Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion; Middle Aged; Progression-Free Survival; Recurrence; Retreatment; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Time Factors; Vascular Remodeling

Medical management remains the mainstay of treatment for patients who present with acute Type-B aortic dissections (TBAD). However, it is unclear whether patients maintain adherence to their anti-impulse therapy medication regimen following hospital discharge. This study was designed to evaluate rates and predictors of medication adherence among insured patients treated for acute TBAD.. We used the Truven MarketScan database to identify US patients who presented with an acute TBAD between 2008 to 2017. Patients with continuous health insurance (Commercial or Medicare Part C) for at least 12 months after TBAD diagnosis were stratified by whether they underwent open surgical repair (OPEN), thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), or only medication management (MED). Prescriptions for anti-impulse therapy medications were captured and adherence was defined by the medication possession ratio as > 80% fill rate over the follow-up period. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to identify predictors for medication adherence.. A total of 6,702 patients were identified that underwent treatment for TBAD (3% TEVAR, 9% OPEN, & 74% MED), whereas 14% received no intervention. The overall mean (±SD) rate of adherence to anti-impulse therapy was 72.6% ( ± 26), and varied based on type of TBAD intervention (73.4% TEVAR, 74.4% OPEN, & 72.4% MED). The majority of patients across all treatment groups were prescribed ≥ 2 agents, with beta-blockers and diuretics being the most common medication classes. The odds of adherence to anti-impulse therapy were significantly lower for patients who were female (OR: 0.93; 95%CI:0.85-0.99; P = 0.03), aged < 45 years (OR: 0.81; 95%CI:0.69-0.96; P < 0.001), nonadherent on preexisting therapy (OR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.73-0.89; P < 0.001), and when medications were obtained in less than a 90 days supply from retail pharmacies.. Nearly a quarter of patients were nonadherent with anti-impulse therapy prescribed following an acute TBAD, which was more likely among younger female patients not adherent before their event. Adherence was improved among patients who received their medications by mail and when a > 90 days supply was prescribed. These findings may be used by quality improvement initiatives to improve medication adherence following TBAD and help prevent further complications.

Topics: Adolescent; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Databases, Factual; Diuretics; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Male; Medication Adherence; Middle Aged; Patient Discharge; Polypharmacy; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Young Adult

Acute type B aortic dissection can be treated with medical management alone, open surgical repair, or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The nationwide burden of readmissions after acute type B aortic dissection has not been comprehensively assessed.. We analyzed adults with a hospitalization due to acute type B aortic dissection between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, in the Nationwide Readmissions Database. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis code for thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic dissection. The primary outcome was nonelective 90-day readmission. Predictors of readmission were determined using hierarchical logistic regression.. The study population consisted of 6937 patients with unplanned admissions for type B aortic dissections from 2010 through 2014. Medical management alone was the treatment for 62.6% of patients, 21.0% had open surgical repair, and 16.4% underwent TEVAR. Nonelective 90-day readmission rate was 25.1% (23.6% with medical management alone, 26.9% with open repair, and 28.7% with TEVAR; P < .001). An additional 4.7% of patients were electively readmitted. The most common cause for nonelective readmission was new or recurrent arterial aneurysm or dissection (24.8%). Of those with unplanned readmissions, 5.2% underwent an aortic procedure. The mortality rate during nonelective readmission was 5.0%, and the mean cost of the rehospitalization was $22,572 ± $41,598.. More than one in four patients have a nonelective readmission 90 days after hospitalization for acute type B aortic dissection. Absolute rates of readmission varied by initial treatment received but were high irrespective of the initial treatment. The most common cause of readmission was aortic disease, particularly among those treated with medication alone. Further research is required to determine potential interventions to decrease these costly and morbid readmissions, including the role of multidisciplinary aortic teams.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Databases, Factual; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Readmission; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; United States

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is the chronic symptomatic compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. A known potential sequela of MALS is celiac artery aneurysm, which could predispose the diseased artery to dissection. However, the presence of celiac artery dissection and MALS is yet to be reported. Here, we present a case of MALS with a coincident celiac artery aneurysm and dissection.

Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aspirin; Cardiovascular Agents; Celiac Artery; Conservative Treatment; Female; Humans; Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome

Management of uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD) has traditionally been aggressive medical therapy. Recent studies brought about a paradigm shift with evidence to suggest benefits from early endovascular intervention to a high risk subgroup of acute uncomplicated TBAD patients.. We aim to review the effects of aortic remodeling in Asian patients with TBAD with and without endovascular intervention, including maximal aortic diameter, true lumen diameter, and false lumen thrombosis.. This is a single-center retrospective study of a prospective database. Patients who presented to our institution with acute TBAD from January 2008 to December 2015 (n = 44) were evaluated. Eighteen percent (8 patients) presented with complicated TBAD and underwent emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) while the remaining 82% (36 patients) were treated with optimal medical therapy (OMT).. Six patients under the conservative arm crossed over to elective TEVAR after 6 weeks because of interval radiological progression of disease. There was no significant difference in the baseline demographics of the TEVAR group and the OMT group. At 24 months, mean maximal aortic diameter difference was -7.7 mm and +1.9 mm (P = 0.077), mean true lumen diameter difference was +10.0 mm and +2.6 mm (P = 0.049), and false lumen thrombosis was 100% and 20% (P = 0.012) for TEVAR and OMT, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in mortality between the 2 groups at 30 days and 2 years.. Within an Asian population with TBAD, TEVAR with OMT has a significant positive effect on aortic remodeling, compared with OMT-only management.

Topics: Aged; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Asian People; Cardiovascular Agents; Databases, Factual; Emergencies; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Singapore; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Remodeling

To describe index visits for acute aortic dissection (AD) to an academic center and validate the prevailing claims-based methodology to identify and stratify them.. Inpatient hospitalizations at a single center assigned an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis code for AD from January 2005 to September 2015 were identified. Diagnoses were verified by review of medical records and imaging studies. All visits were secondarily stratified with the algorithm based on ICD-9 codes. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted to evaluate the ability of the algorithm to correctly identify acute AD by Stanford class and treatment modality (type A open repair [TAOR], type B open repair [TBOR], thoracic endovascular repair [TEVAR], medical management [MM]).. In the study interval, there were 1245 visits coded for AD attributed to 968 unique patients. Chart review verification demonstrated that the majority of visits were for AD (79%; n = 981), of which 32% (n = 310) were for an index acute AD event. The true distribution of acute AD visit classifications was TAOR (46.1%; n = 143), TBOR (5.2%; n = 16), TEVAR (7.7%; n = 24), and MM (39.4%; n = 122). The algorithm, which used ICD-9 codes, identified 631 acute visits and stratified them as TAOR (27.1%; n = 171), TBOR (4.1%; n = 26), TEVAR (4.9%; n = 31), and MM (63.9%; n = 403). Analyses demonstrated high specificities, but generally low sensitivities of the algorithm (TAOR: sensitivity, 58%, specificity, 92%; TBOR: sensitivity, 13%, specificity, 98%; TEVAR: sensitivity, 17%, specificity, 98%; MM: sensitivity, 73%, specificity, 72%).. The prevalent claims-based strategy to identify hospitalizations with acute AD is specific, but lacks sensitivity. Caution should be exercised when studying AD with ICD-9 codes and improvements to existing claims-based methodologies are necessary to support future study of acute AD.

Topics: Administrative Claims, Healthcare; Aged; Algorithms; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Data Mining; Databases, Factual; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; International Classification of Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Admission; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies

In uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (UTBAD), the "gold standard" has been nonoperative treatment with medical therapy, although this has been questioned by studies demonstrating improved outcomes in those treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This study assessed long-term survival after acute UTBAD comparing medical therapy, open repair, and TEVAR.. The California Office of Statewide Hospital Planning Development database was analyzed from 2000 to 2010 for adult patients with acute UTBAD. Patients with nonemergent admission for aortic dissection, type A dissection, trauma, bowel ischemia, lower extremity ischemia, acidosis, or shock were excluded. The cohort was stratified by treatment type at index admission into medical therapy, open surgical repair, and TEVAR. Multivariable regression and survival analyses were used to evaluate the association of treatment type with long-term overall survival.. There were 9165 cases, 95% medical therapy, 2% open repair, and 2.9% TEVAR. The mean age was 66 ± 15 years, with 39% female, 2.4% cocaine users, 18% with congestive heart failure, and 17% with Charlson Comorbidity Index >3. Mean inpatient costs were $57,000 for medical therapy, $200,000 for open repair, and $130,000 for TEVAR (P < .01). Inpatient mortality was 6.5% overall, 6.3% for medical therapy, 14% for open repair, and 7.1% for TEVAR (P < .01). One-year and 5-year survivals were 84% and 60% in medical therapy, 76% and 67% in open repair, and 85% and 76% in TEVAR (log-rank, P < .01). On risk-adjusted multivariable analysis, TEVAR had improved survival compared with medical therapy (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-0.8; P < .01), with no difference between open repair and medical therapy (hazard ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-1.3; P < .01).. This statewide study on survival after acute UTBADs shows an independent survival advantage for TEVAR over medical therapy. These data add further evidence for a paradigm shift in acute management of type B dissection in favor of early TEVAR.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; California; Cardiovascular Agents; Databases, Factual; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

This study aimed to investigate the features, treatments, and prognosis of patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic isolated SMA dissection.. Data from 35 consecutive patients in whom isolated SMA dissection was diagnosed on computed tomography angiography (CTA) between 2004 and 2015 at two general hospitals in Japan, were collected retrospectively. Nineteen symptomatic patients were compared, and 16 asymptomatic patients with incidentally revealed SMA dissection were also compared. In addition, the vascular remodelling and outcomes during follow-up were evaluated.. The patient characteristics in the symptomatic and incidental groups were comparable except for age; mean ages were 55.9 ± 13.9 and 65.3 ± 10.9 years, respectively. Most of the symptomatic patients were managed conservatively (including antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulants, blood pressure control, or bowel rest). In addition, one patient was initially treated by endovascular intervention because of intestinal ischaemia, and another was switched from conservative to surgical treatment. The in-hospital outcome was good with no mortality. In the incidental group, all 16 patients were observed as outpatients without additional treatment. Complete remodelling of the false lumen was observed in 31% of patients with follow-up CTA, and was associated with the presence of symptoms and the absence of false lumen with blood flow at diagnosis. Neither recurrent or new onset abdominal pain, intervention for SMA dissection, nor SMA related death was observed in either group during the follow-up period (750 ± 779 and 1200 ± 951 days).. The characteristics of asymptomatic patients with incidentally revealed SMA dissection were comparable with those of symptomatic patients, except for age. During follow-up, factors favouring complete remodelling of false lumens were the presence of symptoms, and the absence of false lumen blood flow at diagnosis.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Computed Tomography Angiography; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Hospitals, General; Humans; Incidental Findings; Japan; Male; Mesenteric Artery, Superior; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Remodeling; Vascular Surgical Procedures

We report the morphologic findings and treatment of spontaneous isolated dissection of the celiac artery (SIDCA).. Twenty-three patients with SIDCA presenting between January 2009 and December 2014 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The demographic data, clinical features, morphologic findings, treatment modalities, and follow-up results of these patients were reviewed. We proposed a morphologic classification for SIDCA similar to that of spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery.. Initially, 11 patients were treated endovascularly, and 12 were treated medically. Four patients treated medically had an aggravation of the dissection and needed endovascular salvage. All patients recovered successfully. None of the patients developed abdominal pain, required reintervention, or died. In the medically treated group, the false lumen was completely thrombosed and absorbed in 4 patients, partially thrombosed in 2, and patent in 2. All stents were patent with the false lumen completely thrombosed and absorbed in the endovascular group.. SIDCA can be treated medically in stable patients but requires intensive follow-up. Endovascular therapy can be applied in high-risk patients with recurrent symptoms, visceral malperfusion, or aneurysm. Open surgery should be considered if endovascular repair is not suitable or has failed. The short-term results of endovascular management are encouraging but further evaluation with long-term follow-up is necessary.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Celiac Artery; Computed Tomography Angiography; Embolization, Therapeutic; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Regional Blood Flow; Retrospective Studies; Salvage Therapy; Stents; Time Factors; Tomography, Spiral Computed; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Patency

Medical management of acute aortic dissections limited to the descending thoracic aorta (AD-desc) is associated with acceptable outcomes. Uncertainty remains about whether acute type B aortic dissections involving the aortic arch (AD-arch) have an increased risk of retrograde extension into the ascending aorta or other dissection-related complications. This study compared outcomes of AD-arch with AD-desc managed medically.. Consecutive patients admitted from 2005 to 2014 with acute aortic dissections not involving the ascending aorta were retrospectively analyzed. Primary end points included dissection-related death and operative intervention.. The study included 99 patients (63% men; mean age, 60 ± 14 years) with acute aortic dissections. Dissections were limited to the aorta distal to the left subclavian artery (AD-desc) in 79 patients (80%), and 20 (20%) had involvement of the left subclavian (n = 16), left common carotid (n = 1), or innominate (n = 3) arteries (AD-arch). Dissections ended proximal to the celiac artery in 30 patients (30%), between the celiac artery and aortic bifurcation in 36 (36%), and distal to the aortic bifurcation in 33 (33%). During medical management, further proximal extension into the arch occurred in two AD-arch patients and one AD-desc patient (P < .05), but proximal dissection into the ascending aorta occurred in only one AD-arch patient with Marfan disease. Compared with patients with AD-desc, those with AD-arch were younger (53 ± 12.5 vs 62 ± 16 years; P < .01) and had more frequent early interventions (40% vs 19%; P = .047), cardiac complications (35% vs 11%; P < .01), and neurologic events (25% vs 6%; P < .01). Seven AD-arch patients (35%) and nine AD-desc patients (11%) died of dissection-related causes (P < .01). Among survivors, late interventions were performed in four of eight AD-arch patients (50%) and in six of 58 AD-desc patients (10%; P = .02). Medical treatment without intervention was successful in four AD-arch patients (20%) and in 52 AD-desc patients (66%; P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression retained arch involvement as the sole predictor of dissection-related death (odds ratio, 4.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-13.4) and failure of medical treatment (odds ratio, 7.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-29). The distal extent of dissection had no bearing on outcome.. AD-arch dissections are associated with a higher risk of cardiac and neurologic events, need for early intervention, and dissection-related death than AD-desc dissections. Because further proximal dissections into the ascending aorta were rare in this study, medical management appears to be safe as the initial treatment of AD-arch dissections. However, surgeons should be aware of the increased risk of complications and the potential need for urgent interventions in these patients.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Aortography; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Disease Progression; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Nervous System Diseases; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tennessee; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Uncomplicated Stanford B acute aortic dissection (AAD) is generally treated with medical management; whereas complicated dissections require surgery or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Studies have demonstrated that long-term outcomes with medical management are suboptimal. Therefore, we sought to investigate the early and long-term clinical efficacy of TEVAR for Stanford B AAD.. From March 2004 to January 2008, 63 consecutive patients were treated and retrospectively placed into either one of the two groups, the TEVAR group (n = 42) and the medicine group (n = 21). All TEVAR procedures were performed in the acute phase. The changes of true and false lumen diameter were monitored with computed tomography angiography examinations in the thoracic aorta at the level of the stented segment at long-term follow-up.. As compared with the medicine group, the age at intervention in the TEVAR group was higher (p < 0.05), and they also had more patent false lumen in this group. Patients in the TEVAR group had significantly longer hospital stays than those in the medicine group (p < 0.01). The incidence of the early events was not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of aortic-related late events and late death were significantly higher in the medicine group than those in the TEVAR group. Log-rank tests demonstrated that patients treated with medical management had significantly more late adverse events than did those treated with TEVAR (p < 0.01). At 1-year follow-up, the true lumen diameter in the thoracic aorta at the level of the stented segment increased significantly after TEVAR, and the mean reduction of false lumen diameter was highly significant. The remodeling was stable at 3 and 5 years after TEVAR.. Patients with Stanford B AAD treated with TEVAR experienced fewer late adverse events than those treated with medical management, TEVAR could be an effective treatment for Stanford B AAD.

Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Aortography; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; China; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Remodeling

Topics: Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Mesenteric Arteries; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Topics: Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Mesenteric Arteries; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Acute aortic dissection (AD) is a catastrophic condition associated with a high rate of mortality. However, current epidemiological information regarding AD remains sparse. The objective of the present study was to investigate the current epidemiological profile and medication utilization patterns associated with aortic dissection in Taiwan.In this population-based study, we identified cases of AD diagnosed during 2005 to 2012 in the complete Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) Research Database. Patients with AD were identified using the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 441.0, and surgical interventions were defined using NHI procedure codes.A total of 9092 individuals with a mean age of 64.4 ± 15.1 years were identified. The cases were divided into 3 groups: Group A included 2340 patients (25.74%) treated surgically for type A AD; Group B included 1144 patients (12.58%) treated surgically for type B AD, and Group C included 5608 patients (61.68%) with any type of AD treated with medical therapy only. The average annual incidence of AD was 5.6 per 100,000 persons, and the average prevalence was 19.9 per 100,000 persons. Hypertension was the most common risk factor, followed by coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Within 1 year of AD diagnosis, 92% of patients were taking antihypertensive medication. Calcium channel blockers were the most frequently prescribed antihypertensive medication for long-term observation in Taiwan.The annual trends revealed statistically significant increases in the numbers and percentages of prevalence, incidence, and mortality. Changes in patients' drug utilization in patterns were observed after AD diagnosis. Our study provides a local profile that supports further in-depth analyses in AD-affected populations.

Topics: Aged; Aortic Dissection; Aortic Rupture; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Artery Disease; Disease Management; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Taiwan

The authors sought to understand the clinical and angiographic outcomes of dissections left after drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty.. Second-generation DCB may be an alternative to stents in selected populations for the treatment of native coronary lesions. However, the use of these devices may be hampered by a certain risk of acute vessel recoil or residual coronary dissection. Moreover, stenting after DCB has shown limited efficacy. Little is known about when a non-flow-limiting dissection is left after DCB angioplasty.. This was a prospective observational study whose aim was to investigate the outcome of a consecutive series of patients with native coronary artery disease treated with second-generation DCB and residual coronary dissection at 2 Italian centers. We evaluated patient clinical conditions at 1 and 9 months, and angiographic follow up was undertaken at 6 months.. Between July 2012 and July 2014, 156 patients were treated with DCB for native coronary artery disease. Fifty-two patients had a final dissection, 4 of which underwent prosthesis implantation and 48 were left untreated and underwent angiographic follow-up after 201 days (interquartile range: 161 to 250 days). The dissections were all type A to C, and none determined an impaired distal flow. Complete vessel healing at angiography was observed in 45 patients (93.8%), whereas 3 patients had persistent but uncomplicated dissections, and 3 had binary restenosis (6.2%). Late lumen loss was 0.14 mm (-0.14 to 0.42). Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 11 patients in the entire cohort and in 4 of the dissection cohort (7.2% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.48). We observed 8 and 3 target lesion revascularizations, respectively (5.3% vs. 6.2%; p = 0.37).. In this cohort of consecutive patients treated with new-generation DCB and left with a final dissection, this strategy of revascularization seemed associated with the sealing of most of dissections and without significant neointimal hyperplasia.

Topics: Aged; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Aortic Dissection; Cardiac Catheters; Cardiovascular Agents; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Disease; Coronary Restenosis; Female; Humans; Italy; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aneurysm, False; Aorta, Abdominal; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Diseases; Aortic Dissection; Aortic Valve; Atherosclerosis; Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease; Cardiovascular Agents; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Diagnostic Imaging; Early Diagnosis; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heart Valve Diseases; Hematoma; Humans; Long-Term Care; Male; Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue; Physical Examination; Risk Factors; Vascular Calcification; Vascular Stiffness; Vascular Surgical Procedures

This study sought to evaluate the early and long-term effect of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) on type-B acute aortic dissection (AAD).. Uncomplicated type-B AAD is generally treated with medical management; complicated dissections require surgery or TEVAR. Studies have demonstrated that long-term outcomes with medical management are suboptimal. Therefore, we sought to determine the long-term effect of TEVAR compared with medical management alone on type-B AAD.. From January 2004 to May 2008, 193 consecutive patients in 2 hospitals were treated and retrospectively placed into 1 of 2 groups: 1) the TEVAR group-type-B AAD treated with TEVAR and antihypertensive medications (n = 152); and the 2) medicine group-uncomplicated type-B AAD treated medically alone (n = 41). All TEVAR procedures were performed in the acute phase.. There were no significant differences in demographics, comorbidity profiles, or early events between groups. The cumulative freedom from all late adverse events at 1, 3, and 5 years was 97%, 89%, and 67% in the TEVAR group and 97%, 63%, and 34% in the medicine group. Log-rank tests showed that medically treated patients had more late adverse events than TEVAR-treated patients did (p = 0.003). The 5-year cumulative survival rate from all-cause death was not significantly different between the 2 groups.. Patients with type-B AAD treated with TEVAR experienced fewer late adverse events than those treated with medical management, but there was no significant difference among the groups in 5-year mortality rates. Further studies of longer-term survival rates are needed to determine whether TEVAR could be an effective treatment for type-B AAD.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; China; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Middle Aged; Ohio; Patient Selection; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

This study sought to evaluate long-term survival in type B aortic dissection patients treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) therapy.. Historical data have supported medical therapy in type B acute aortic dissection (TBAAD) patients. Recent advances in TEVAR appear to improve in-hospital mortality.. We examined 1,129 consecutive patients with TBAAD enrolled in IRAD (International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection) between 1995 and 2012 who received medical (n = 853, 75.6%) or TEVAR (n = 276, 24.4%) therapy.. Clinical history was similar between groups. TEVAR patients were more likely to present with a pulse deficit (28.3% vs. 13.4%, p < 0.001) and lower extremity ischemia (16.8% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.001), and to characterize their pain as the "worst pain ever" (27.5% vs. 15.7%, p < 0.001). TEVAR patients were also most likely to present with complicated acute aortic dissection, defined as shock, periaortic hematoma, signs of malperfusion, stroke, spinal cord ischemia, mesenteric ischemia, and/or renal failure (61.7% vs. 37.2%). In-hospital mortality was similar in patients managed with endovascular repair (10.9% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.273) compared with medically managed patients. One-year mortality was also similar in both groups (8.1% endovascular vs. 9.8% medical, p = 0.604). Among adverse events during follow-up, aortic growth/new aneurysm was most common, occurring in 73.3% of patients with medical therapy and in 62.7% of patients after TEVAR, based on 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates showed that patients undergoing TEVAR had a lower death rate (15.5% vs. 29.0%, p = 0.018) at 5 years.. Results from IRAD show that TEVAR is associated with lower mortality over a 5-year period than medical therapy for TBAAD. Further randomized trials with long-term follow-up are needed.

Topics: Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Endovascular Procedures; Europe; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; North America; Patient Selection; Propensity Score; Prospective Studies; Registries; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Angioplasty, Balloon; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Female; Femoral Artery; Humans; Male; Paclitaxel; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Popliteal Artery; Vascular Access Devices

Partial thrombosis of the false lumen has been reported as a significant predictor of mortality during follow-up in patients with acute type B aortic dissection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of false lumen thrombosis and aortic expansion during follow-up in patients with acute type B aortic dissection.. All medically treated patients with acute type B aortic dissection observed in 4 cardiovascular referral centers between 1998 and 2011, with admission and follow-up computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans, were included. Aortic diameters of the dissected aortas were measured at 4 levels on the baseline and follow-up scans, and annual growth rates were calculated. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate the effect of false lumen thrombosis on aortic growth rate.. A total of 84 patients were included, of whom 40 (47.6%) had a partially thrombosed false lumen, 7 (8.3%) had a completely thrombosed false lumen, and 37 (44.0%) had a patent false lumen. A total of 273 of the 336 (81.3%) evaluated aortic levels were dissected segments. Overall, the mean aortic diameter increased significantly at all evaluated levels (P < .001). Univariate analysis showed that annual aortic growth rates were significantly higher in those segments having a false lumen with partial thrombosis (mean, 4.25 ± 10.2) when compared with the patent group (mean, 2.10 ± 5.56; P = .035). In multivariate analysis, partial lumen thrombosis was an independent predictor of higher aortic growth (adjusted mean difference, 2.05 mm/year; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-4.01; P = .040).. In patients with acute type B aortic dissection, aortic segments with a partially thrombosed false lumen have a significantly higher annual aortic growth rate when compared with those presenting with patent or complete thrombosis of the false lumen. Therefore, patients with partial thrombosis require more intensive follow-up and may benefit from prophylactic intervention.

Topics: Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Aortography; Cardiovascular Agents; Connecticut; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Italy; Linear Models; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Netherlands; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors; Thrombosis; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

This prospective multicenter comparative study examined early and midterm results of medication and stent-graft therapies on chronic type B aortic dissection in China.. The study consisted of 303 consecutive patients with chronic type B aortic dissection from four centers in China from January 2007 to December 2010 who were prospectively enrolled and treated by either optimal medical therapy (OMT) or thoracic endovascular aorta repair (TEVAR). Of the patients, 219 were male and 84 were female (average age, 53.6 ± 20.3 years; range, 29-81 years). Baseline diameter of the thoracic aorta was 41.2 (19.1) mm (mean [standard deviation]), and dissection extended beyond the celiac axis in 87.1% of cases.. In total, there were 208 patients in the TEVAR group and 95 patients in the OMT group. Procedural success was 100%, and no deaths occurred during index hospitalization in the two groups. In the TEVAR group, two patients (0.9%) suffered from retrograde type A dissection, and two (0.9%) suffered from paraplegia or paraparesis. For in-hospital outcome, multivariate analysis revealed that age >75 years and American Society of Anesthesiologists class greater than III were independent predictors of major early adverse events. Average follow-up time for hospital survivors was 28.5 ± 16.3 months (range, 1.0-58 months). In the OMT group, five patients died from rupture of an enlarged false lumen, and six patients died suddenly of unknown reasons. Fourteen cases required crossover to TEVAR (n = 12) or surgical conversion (n = 2). In the TEVAR group, nine patients required reintervention or surgical conversion, and one died of postoperative multi-organ failure. One patient died of delayed retrograde type A dissection, and four died suddenly of unknown reasons. The Kaplan-Meier analysis of survival probability at 2 and 4 years was 87.5% and 82.7% with TEVAR, respectively, and 77.5% and 69.1% with OMT, respectively (P = .0678, log-rank test). The estimated cumulative freedom from aorta-related death at 2 and 4 years was 91.6% and 88.1% with TEVAR, respectively, and 82.8% and 73.8% with OMT, respectively (P = .0392, log-rank test). The thoracic aorta diameter decreased from 42.4 (23.1) mm to 37.3 (12.8) mm in the TEVAR group and increased from 40.7 (18.6) mm to 48.1 (17.3) mm in the OMT group.. This was the first prospective multicenter comparative study on the treatment of type B aortic dissection in China. TEVAR had a significantly lower aorta-related mortality compared with OMT but failed to improve overall survival rate or lower the aorta-related adverse event rate.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Aortography; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; China; Chronic Disease; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Multivariate Analysis; Odds Ratio; Prospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stents; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

To summarize the reproducible experience obtained during the treatment of superior mesenteric artery dissection (SMAD) and to investigate the therapeutic options for this condition.. The clinical data from 10 patients with SMAD were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 patients receiving conservative therapy, 2 patients receiving endovascular stenting, 1 patient receiving dissecting aneurysm resection plus vascular prosthesis grafting, and 1 patient receiving thrombectomy plus intimectomy.. For the 6 patients subjected to the conservative therapy, the symptoms were thoroughly under control without relapse during the follow-up; for the 2 patients receiving endovascular stenting, the computed tomography (CT) examination performed during the follow-up demonstrated a patent true lumen and an occluded false lumen; for the patient with dissecting aneurysm resection plus vascular prosthesis grafting, a short dissection was observed at the distal end of the vascular prosthesis but without progression during the 14-month follow-up period; for the patient with thrombectomy plus intimectomy, postoperatively, the patient experienced diarrhea, body weight loss, and hypoproteinemia, and CT scanning demonstrated segmental SMA occlusions, which were not fully remitted by conservative therapy until the application of endovascular stenting 4 months later.. The therapeutic regimen for isolated SMAD should be established based on the clinical symptoms of the patient and the hemodynamic status in SMA. The conservative therapy is mainly indicated for the asymptomatic patients or those with short-term symptoms, while the endovascular or surgical therapy should be recommended for those with persistent intestinal ischemia-related symptoms, rupture of artery, and/or obvious aneurysmal false lumen dilation at a high risk of rupture.

Topics: Aged; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; China; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Humans; Male; Mesenteric Artery, Superior; Middle Aged; Patient Selection; Predictive Value of Tests; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Thrombectomy; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Although spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome, it should be considered during the evaluation of patients who have chest pain. Coronary vasospasm can lead to spontaneous dissection. The dopamine agonist cabergoline is known to cause digital vasospasm. Herein, we report a case of spontaneous right coronary artery dissection in a 43-year-old woman who was taking cabergoline as therapy for prolactinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an apparent relationship between cabergoline therapy and spontaneous coronary artery dissection. The possible association of cabergoline with coronary artery spasm and dissection should be considered in patients who present with chest pain while taking this medication.

Topics: Adult; Angina Pectoris; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; Aortic Dissection; Cabergoline; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Vasospasm; Ergolines; Female; Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Predictive Value of Tests; Prolactinoma; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rather rare cause of myocardial infarction, chest pain, and sudden death. Since the condition was first described in 1931, fewer than 200 cases have been reported in the medical literature. There are currently no known direct causes of this condition, although some correlations have been noted. Many patients are women in the peripartum period or of childbearing age, with few or no risk factors for coronary artery disease. Other associations include contraceptive use and connective-tissue disorders, Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan syndromes, and polyarteritis nodosa. Most of the reported dissections have occurred in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Herein, we report the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented at our institution with an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction secondary to a spontaneous dissection of the right coronary artery. Thrombectomy and stenting resolved the occlusion of the artery, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on medical therapy. We discuss the pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of this rare and often fatal condition.

Topics: Adult; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Female; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Stents; Thrombectomy; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Cardiomyopathies; Cardiovascular Agents; Cooperative Behavior; Female; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Infant, Newborn; Interdisciplinary Communication; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Prenatal Diagnosis; Risk Assessment; Venous Thromboembolism

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is known to be a rare but fatal cause of acute coronary syndromes. It is more frequent in young women, particularly in the peripartum period. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has an important role in the diagnosis and management of SCAD. Intramural hematoma that occurs between adventitial and media layer of the vessel wall may occlude the true lumen. IVUS can identify intimal tears, the extension of intramural hematoma and show the adequate compression of intramural hematoma after percutaneous coronary intervention. We present a case of intramural hematoma caused by SCAD in a young woman presenting with acute anterior myocardial infarction, and the role of IVUS in the diagnosis and management of SCAD.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Adult; Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction; Anticoagulants; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Female; Hematoma; Humans; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Stents; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional

This report describes the case of previous type-A aortic dissection treated with the placement of a termino-terminal prosthesis, which developed a large peri-prosthetic pseudoaneurysmatic sac, detected by CT, performed 2 years after the surgery. This raised the suspicion of a communication between the pseudoaneurysmatic sac and the aortic lumen, but was not able to show it directly. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed the presence of the fistula, showing a systo-diastolic color Doppler jet signal connecting these two structures.The complementary role of these two diagnostic techniques allowed a complete evaluation of this complex pathology.

Topics: Aged; Aneurysm, False; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Aortography; Arterio-Arterial Fistula; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed; Female; Humans; Predictive Value of Tests; Pulmonary Artery; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of chest pain and cardiomyopathy. This phenomenon usually occurs during the peripartum period. SCAD associated with exercise and heavy weight lifting is even rarer and has been reported in less than 10 cases in the literature. We describe a case of SCAD associated with heavy weight lifting and exercise in a 29-year-old male who presented with exertional chest pain. The patient subsequently underwent a cardiac catheterization that showed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% and a dissection in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery after the first diagonal/septal branch with extension to the distal LAD that wrapped around the apex. He was effectively managed with the combination of medical therapy followed by a few days later with stenting. In summary, diagnosis and treatment of this rare phenomenon is a challenge, but early diagnosis and appropriate management can lead to a successful outcome.

Topics: Adult; Angina Pectoris; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Aortic Dissection; Cardiac Catheterization; Cardiomyopathies; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Electrocardiography; Humans; Male; Myocardial Ischemia; Stents; Stroke Volume; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function, Left; Weight Lifting

Topics: Adult; Aneurysm, False; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Humans; Male; Stents; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional

The increasing life expectancy of the population will likely be accompanied by a rise in the incidence of acute type A aortic dissection. However, because of an increased risk of cardiac surgery in an elderly population, it is important to define when, if at all, the risks of aortic repair outweigh the risk of death from unoperated type A aortic dissection.. We analyzed 936 patients with type A aortic dissection enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection from 1996 to 2004. Patients with type A aortic dissection were categorized according to patient age by decade and by surgical versus medical management, and outcomes of both management types were investigated in the different age groups.. The rate of surgical aortic repair decreased progressively with age, whereas surgical mortality significantly increased with age. Age 70 years or more was an independent predictor for mortality (38.2% vs 26.0%; P < .0001, odds ratio 1.73). The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower after surgical management compared with medical management until the age of 80 years. For patients aged 80 to 90 years, the in-hospital mortality appeared to be lower after surgical management (37.9% vs 55.2%; P = .188); however, this failed to reach clinical significance owing to the limited patient number in this age group.. Although the surgical mortality significantly increased with increased age, surgical management was still associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates compared with medical management until the age of 80 years. Surgery may decrease the in-hospital mortality rate for octogenarians with type A aortic dissection and might be considered in all patients with type A aortic dissection regardless of age.

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Asia; Cardiovascular Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Europe; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Odds Ratio; Patient Selection; Registries; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; United States; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Topics: Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Positron-Emission Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Young Adult

Topics: Aged; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Drug-Eluting Stents; Humans; Male; Sirolimus; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional

This study compared outcomes between thoracic endovascular aortic repair and conventional open surgical and medical therapies for acute complicated type B aortic dissection.. From 2002 to 2010, a total of 170 patients with type B aortic dissections were retrospectively identified from the University of Pennsylvania aortic database. Of these 170 patients, 147 had acute type B aortic dissections (uncomplicated 70, complicated 77). For patients with acute complicated type B aortic dissections, management included thoracic endovascular aortic repair (group A) or conventional open surgical and medical therapies (group B).. In the 77 patients with acute complicated type B aortic dissections, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (group A) was performed in 45 patients (59%). In group B, 20 patients (26%) underwent open surgical repair and 12 (15%) had their conditions managed with medical therapy. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair was associated with lower in-hospital or 30-day mortality (n = 2, 4%) than conventional therapy (open surgical repair n = 8, 40%, medical therapy, n = 4, 33%, P = .006). Patients in group A (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) continued to show significantly improved survival at 1, 3, and 5 years (group A: 82%, 79%, and 79% vs group B: 58%, 52%, and 44%, P = .008).. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute complicated type B dissection is associated with superior early outcome and improved midterm survival relative to conventional therapy. Longer follow-up demonstrating survival benefit is needed before definitive conclusion can be made.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Aortography; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Pennsylvania; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Survival Rate; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Topics: Acute Disease; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Endovascular Procedures; Hemodynamics; Humans; Ischemia; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

This paper summarizes the highlights of the 15th International Workshop of Endovascular Surgery, held in Ajaccio in June 2008. This is an annual event that attracts leading endovascular therapists from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean as well as a contingency from down-under. The layout of this meeting followed the previous events with sessions on carotid artery disease and abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms topped up with clinical cases, lower limb ischemia and venous disease. Generally the session takes off by summarising new evidence, followed by questions and discussion. This workshops gives the participants an excellent opportunity to get an updated perspective within these fast developing areas.

Topics: Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Artery Diseases; Female; Humans; Male; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Renal Artery; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Veins

Myocardial infarction complicates approximately 1 in 10,000 pregnancies. Although coronary artery dissection is the leading cause of pregnancy-related myocardial infarction during the postpartum period, the pathogenesis of coronary dissection during this period remains uncertain.Herein, we report the case of a 52-year-old black postmenopausal woman with no apparent cardiovascular risk factors who gave birth to twins after in vitro fertilization. Ten days after delivery, she presented with an acute coronary syndrome. Coronary angiography revealed dissection of all 3 coronary arteries. Despite aggressive medical management, the patient experienced recurrent myocardial ischemia. Repeat coronary angiography revealed progression of the dissection process, which required urgent coronary artery bypass surgery. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this report is the 1st description of pregnancy-associated coronary artery dissections in a postmenopausal woman, and the 1st such event in a pregnancy that resulted from in vitro fertilization.

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Bypass; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Live Birth; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Postmenopause; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome; Twins

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that associates with a high acute-phase mortality rate, whereas long-term outcome is less well described.. To describe the incidence, predictors, and prognosis of SCAD.. Retrospective case-identification study from the Western Denmark Heart Registry and the database of the Forensic Institute at Aarhus University from 1999 through 2007.. SCAD was documented in 22 of 32,869 (0.7 per thousand) angiograms in the angiographic registry. The SCAD incidence among cases of ACS was 22 of 11,175 (2.0 per thousand). None was seen in the forensic database. The mean age was 48.7 +/- 8.9 years (range: 37-71 years). Females constituted 17 of 22 (77%) patients and all had undergone one or more pregnancies; two cases occurred in the postpartum period. The left descending artery (LAD) was the predominant site of entry. The age distribution, prevalence of the cardiovascular risk factors, presence of coronary atherosclerosis, and entry of the dissection were comparable among genders. Treatment was percutaneous coronary intervention in 13 of 22 (59%), coronary artery bypass operation in 2 of 22 (9%), and medical treatment in 7 of 22 (32%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 3.6 +/- 2.9 years. One patient suffered from recurrent SCAD; another patient died suddenly. The MACE- (cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and new revascularization) free survival was 81% after 24 months.. SCAD is a rare disease that mainly affects younger women. Compared with earlier reports, the prognosis seems to be improved by early diagnosis and interventional treatment.

Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Coronary Artery Bypass; Denmark; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Incidence; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Registries; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional

Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aortic Valve; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Coronary Angiography; Drug Therapy, Combination; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome

Impact on survival of different treatment strategies was analyzed in 571 patients with acute type B aortic dissection enrolled from 1996 to 2005 in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection.. The optimal treatment for acute type B dissection is still a matter of debate.. Information on 290 clinical variables were compared, including demographics; medical history; clinical presentation; physical findings; imaging studies; details of medical, surgical, and endovascular management; in-hospital clinical events; and in-hospital mortality.. Of the 571 patients with acute type B aortic dissection, 390 (68.3%) were treated medically, 59 (10.3%) with standard open surgery and 66 (11.6%) with an endovascular approach. Patients who underwent emergency endovascular or open surgery were younger (mean age 58.8 years, p < 0.001) than their counterparts treated conservatively, and had male preponderance and hypertension in 76.9%. Patients submitted to surgery presented with a wider aortic diameter than patients treated by interventional techniques or by medical therapy (5.36 +/- 1.7 cm vs. 4.62 +/- 1.4 cm vs. 4.47 +/- 1.4 cm, p = 0.003). In-hospital complications occurred in 20% of patients subjected to endovascular technique and in 40% of patients after open surgical repair. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher after open surgery (33.9%) than after endovascular treatment (10.6%, p = 0.002). After propensity and multivariable adjustment, open surgical repair was associated with an independent increased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 3.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 11.67, p = 0.05).. In the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection, the less invasive nature of endovascular treatment seems to provide better in-hospital survival in patients with acute type B dissection; larger randomized trials or comprehensive registries are needed to access impact on outcomes.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; International Cooperation; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Patient Selection; Registries; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stents; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Topics: Acute Disease; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Disease Progression; Hospital Mortality; Humans; International Cooperation; Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; Patient Selection; Registries; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stents; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a potentially life-threatening entity with a variety of clinical presentations. We report a patient who presented with chest pain and angiographic evidence of coronary dissection. Due to the rapid resolution of symptoms and benign-appearing nature of the dissection, no intervention was pursued and the patient was maintained on medical therapy. She represented 2 days later with substernal chest pain, dynamic EKG changes, positive cardiac biomarkers and a transient depression of her left ventricular function.

Topics: Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Coronary Aneurysm; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Systole; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left

Earlier studies evaluating long-term survival in type A acute aortic dissection (TA-AAD) have been restricted to a small number of patients in single center experiences. We used data from a contemporary, multi-center international registry of TA-AAD patients to better understand factors associated with long-term survival.. We examined 303 consecutive patients with TA-AAD enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) between 1996 and 2003. We included patients who were discharged alive and had documented clinical follow-up data. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed to depict cumulative survival in patients from date of hospital discharge. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of follow-up mortality. We found that 273 (90.1%) patients had been managed surgically and 30 (9.9%) were managed medically. Patients who were dead at follow-up were more likely to be older (63.9 versus 58.4 years, P=0.007) and to have had previous cardiac surgery (23.9% versus 10.6%, P=0.01). Survival for patients treated with surgery was 96.1%+/-2.4% and 90.5%+/-3.9% at 1 and 3 years versus 88.6%+/-12.2% and 68.7%+/-19.8% without surgery (mean follow-up overall, 2.8 years, log rank P=0.009). Multivariate analysis identified a history of atherosclerosis (relative risk (RR), 2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 4.37; P=0.03) and previous cardiac surgery (RR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.16 to 5.57; P=0.02) as significant, independent predictors of follow-up mortality.. Contemporary 1- and 3-year survival in patients with TA-AAD treated surgically are excellent. Independent predictors of survival during the follow-up period do not appear to be influenced by in-hospital risks but rather preexisting comorbidities.

Topics: Acute Disease; Age Factors; Aged; Antihypertensive Agents; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Atherosclerosis; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Cardiovascular Agents; Case Management; Comorbidity; Europe; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hypertension; Japan; Life Tables; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality; Patient Discharge; Postoperative Complications; Proportional Hazards Models; Registries; Risk Factors; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; United States

The clinical profiles and outcomes of patients treated surgically for acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD) are often reported for those in small series or for those cared for at a single institution over a long time period, during which a continuous evolution in techniques has occurred. Accordingly, we sought to evaluate the clinical features and surgical results of patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection by identifying primary factors that influenced surgical outcome and estimating average surgical mortality for ABAD in the current era.. A comprehensive analysis of 290 clinical variables and their relation to surgical outcomes for 82 patients who required surgery for ABAD (from a population of 1256 patients; mean+/-SD age, 60.6+/-15.0 years; 82.9% male) and who were enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection was performed. The overall in-hospital mortality was 29.3%. Factors associated with increased surgical mortality based on univariate analysis were preoperative coma or altered consciousness, partial thrombosis of the false lumen, evidence of periaortic hematoma on diagnostic imaging, descending aortic diameter >6 cm, right ventricle dysfunction at surgery, and shorter time from the onset of symptoms to surgery. Factors associated with favorable outcomes included radiating pain, normotension at surgery (systolic blood pressure 100 to 149 mm Hg), and reduced hypothermic circulatory arrest time. The 2 independent predictors of surgical mortality were age >70 years (odds ratio, 4.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.30 to 14.34) and preoperative shock/hypotension (odds ratio, 6.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 32.49).. The present study provides insights into current-day clinical profiles and surgical outcomes of ABAD. Knowledge about different preoperative clinical conditions may help surgeons in making treatment decisions among these high-risk patients.

Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Anastomosis, Surgical; Antihypertensive Agents; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Aortic Dissection; Aortic Rupture; Atherosclerosis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiovascular Agents; Comorbidity; Disease Susceptibility; Europe; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Diseases; Hemodynamics; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Hypertension; Japan; Male; Marfan Syndrome; Middle Aged; Paraplegia; Postoperative Complications; Registries; Spinal Cord Ischemia; Stents; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; United States

Acute distal aortic dissection rarely causes spinal cord ischemia presenting with paraplegia or paraparesis. Spinal cord involvement has poor outcomes, and there is no established effective treatment for this disorder. In this report we describe the acute conservative treatment of two cases of paraplegia/paraparesis due to acute type B aortic dissection. Early reversal of lower-limb dysmobility was achieved.

Topics: Aged; Antihypertensive Agents; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Cardiovascular Agents; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Drainage; Humans; Male; Naloxone; Paraparesis; Spinal Cord Injuries

Few data exist on gender-related differences in clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, management, and outcomes in acute aortic dissection (AAD).. Accordingly, we evaluated 1078 patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) to assess differences in clinical features, management, and in-hospital outcomes between men and women. Of the patients enrolled in IRAD (32.1%) with AAD, 346 were women. Although less frequently affected by AAD (32.1% of AAD), women were significantly older and had more often presented later than men (P=0.008); symptoms of coma/altered mental status were more common, whereas pulse deficit was less common. Diagnostic imaging suggestive of rupture, ie, periaortic hematoma, and pleural or pericardial effusion were more commonly observed in women. In-hospital complications of hypotension and tamponade occurred with greater frequency in women, resulting in higher in-hospital mortality compared with men. After adjustment for age and hypertension, women with aortic dissection die more frequently than men (OR, 1.4, P=0.04), predominantly in the 66- to 75-year age group. Moreover, surgical outcome was worse in women than men (P=0.013); type A dissection in women was associated with a higher surgical mortality of 32% versus 22% in men despite similar delay, surgical technique, and hemodynamics.. Our analysis provides insights into gender-related differences in AAD with regard to clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes; important diagnostic and therapeutic implications may help shed light on aortic dissection in women to improve their outcomes.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Aneurysm; Aortic Dissection; Cardiac Tamponade; Cardiovascular Agents; Case Management; Combined Modality Therapy; Consciousness Disorders; Europe; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Hypotension; Life Tables; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Registries; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; United States