Surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in octogenarians is justified

Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes of Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection Repair in Octogenarians

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to assess the perioperative morbidity, mortality and long-term survival of octogenarians undergoing acute type A aortic dissection repair (ATAAD), and to compare open and closed distal anastomosis techniques.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective study (2007-2021). Open versus closed distal anastomosis were compared. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods were used to compare long-term survival.

RESULTS

Fifty octogenarian patients were included (median age-82 years; closed distal-22; open distal-28). Median cardiopulmonary bypass time was 187 min (open distal vs. closed distal group; 219 min vs. 115.5 min, p < 0.01, respectively). Median cross-clamp time was 93 min (IQR; 76-130 min). Median circulatory arrest time was 26 min (IQR; 20-39 min) in the open-distal group. In-hospital mortality was 18% (open distal; 14.2% vs. closed distal; 22.7%, p = 0.44). Stroke was 26% (open distal; 28.6% vs. closed distal; 22.7%, p = 0.64). Median survival was 7.2 years (IQR; 4.5-11.6 years). Survival was comparable between open and closed distal groups (median 10.6 vs. 7.2 years, p = 0.35, respectively). Critical preoperative status (HR; 3.2, p = 0.03) and composite endpoint (renal replacement therapy, new neurological event, length of stay > 30 days or return to theatre; HR; 4.1, p = 0.02) predicted adverse survival. Open distal anastomosis did no impact survival.

CONCLUSIONS

ATAAD repair in selected octogenarians has acceptable short- and long-term survival. There is no significant difference between open versus closed distal anastomosis strategies.

Aortic Dissections in the Elderly: Older Age in Patients With Acute Aortic Syndromes Is Associated With Delayed Time to Surgery

OBJECTIVE

In the setting of acute aortic syndromes, timely access to definitive surgical repair is of paramount importance. Older patients, primarily septuagenarians and octogenarians, undergoing emergent ascending arch repair experience higher rates of mortality compared to younger patients. Despite this risk, studies show that surgical management is still superior to medical management for this patient population. The objective of this study is to determine if older age impacts the time from presentation to the start of surgery for patients with acute aortic syndromes undergoing surgical repair.

METHODS

This retrospective review included all patients with acute aortic syndromes who underwent emergent ascending aortic arch repair from January 2018 to May 2023 at a single academic institution. Our analysis compared outcomes for older patients (age 70 years and older) with younger patients (age less than 70 years). Primary outcomes included 30-day mortality, postoperative stay, time from emergency department presentation to the start of surgery, and time from diagnosis with computed tomography to the start of surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications. Outcomes were analyzed using chi-squared and Student's t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

Of 107 patients included (male, N=57), 71 (66%) were under the age of 70 and 36 (34%) were 70 years of age or older. The younger cohort had more male and non-White patients, with no differences in rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking history. With no difference in the rate of transfers from outside hospitals, we observed longer times from presentation to the start of surgery for older patients compared to younger patients (7 hours and 13 minutes vs. 6 hours 25 minutes; p=0.02) and also for time of diagnosis to the start of surgery (4 hours 22 minutes vs. 3 hours 54 minutes; p=0.006). Older patients had higher rates of intraoperative (0% vs. 17%, p<0.001) and 30-day (7% vs. 44%, p<0.001) mortality. There were no differences in length of stay or in rates of postoperative complications and surgery-related emergency department visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients aged 70 and older experienced delays from the time of presentation to the start of surgery and from time of diagnosis to the start of surgery. Age should not delay an individual from receiving timely transfer to a tertiary center for a higher level of care to better assess the patient's operative candidacy and determine appropriate treatment.

Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life following Acute Type A Aortic Dissection with a Focus on Male-Female Differences: A Cross Sectional Study

Objectives: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular emergency, of which the long-term impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and male-female-specific insights remain inadequately clarified. Methods: Consecutive adult ATAAD patients who underwent surgery were retrospectively included between 2007 and 2017 in four referral centers in the Netherlands, and baseline data were collected. The 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) Health Survey was sent to all survivors between 2019 and 2021 and compared to validated SF-36 scores of the Dutch general population stratified by age group and sex. Results: In total, 324/555 surviving patients returned the SF-36 questionnaire (response rate 58%), of which 40.0% were female; the median follow-up was 6.5 years (range: 1.7-13.9, IQR: 4.0-9.4) after surgery for ATAAD. In comparison to the general population, ATAAD patients scored significantly lower on 6/8 SF-36 subdomains and higher on bodily pain. Differences in HRQoL domains compared to the sex-matched data were largely comparable between sexes, apart from bodily pain. In the age-matched subgroups impaired HRQoL was most pronounced in younger patients aged 41-60 (5/8 impaired domains). Female ATAAD patients scored significantly worse on 5/8 SF-36 subdomains and the physical component summary (PCS) scores than male patients. Age at ATAAD, female sex, hypertension, COPD, and prior thoracic aortic aneurysm were associated with worse PCS scores. Conclusions: Long-term HRQoL was impaired in both male and female ATAAD patients when compared to the general population. Further studies on the nature of this impairment and on interventions to improve HRQoL after ATAAD are clearly warranted, with special attention to females and younger patients.

Health-related quality of life in patients with aortic dissection: An unmet need

Knowledge about the Health-related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) after Type A (TA-AAD) and Type B acute aortic dissection (TB-AAD) is still insufficient. Through this systematic review, including 22 studies (16 for TA-AAD and 6 TB-AAD -1998-2023), the entire literature on HR-QoL after surgical and/or endovascular and/or medical interventions has been investigated. In TA-AAD patients, despite overall SF-36 score was similar to the standard population, with > 80 years patients displaying a better emotional domain, the SF-12 was significant lower to controls in physical and mental well-being domains. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improved HR-QoL. In TB-AAD, vitality and mental health SF-36 scores improved after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR); long-term QoL was similar in the open surgery group compared to TEVAR. Overall, HR-QoL after AAD seems adequate irrespective of age or sex, except for some specific domains. Physical exercise and cardiac rehabilitation may improve HR-QoL in these patients. PROSPERO registry ID: CRD42023421130.

Early mortality of emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in octogenarians and nonagenarians: A multi-center retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

The clinical data on postoperative mortality and central nervous system (CNS) complications in older adults who underwent acute type A aortic dissection are limited. Thus, in this study we aimed to evaluate the association between age and early postoperative mortality and occurrence of CNS complications.

METHODS

This multicentric retrospective cohort study included 5 tertiary hospitals in Japan. All patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection between October 1998 and December 2019 were enrolled. The multilevel Cox proportional hazards model, which considered years as level 1, institutions as level 2, and surgeons as level 3, was used to evaluate the association between age and early postoperative hospital mortality and occurrence of CNS complications.

RESULTS

Of the 1037 patients, 227 (21.9%) were ≥80 years old and 810 (78.1%) were <80 years old. Overall, 134 patients (12.9%) died within 30 days postoperatively; among them, 42/227 (18.5%) and 92/810 (11.4%) were aged ≥80 and <80 years, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; P = .0046). CNS complications within 30 days postoperatively occurred in 140/1037 (13.5%) patients; among them, 42/227 (18.5%) and 98/810 (12.1%) were aged ≥80 and <80 years, respectively (HR, 1.63; P = .011). In multivariate analysis, age ≥80 years was associated with mortality within 30 days postoperatively (adjusted HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.23-4.57; P = .01) but not with CNS complications (adjusted HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 0.93-2.69; P = .091).

CONCLUSIONS

The early postoperative mortality in older patients was approximately 50% higher than in the younger population. A thorough discussion regarding the surgical indications should be done.

Patient Reported Outcome Measures Used to Assess Quality of Life in Aortic Dissection: a Systematic Scoping Review using COSMIN Methodology

OBJECTIVE

To systematically identify all patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) (quality of life [QOL] instruments or other instrument/methodology) that have been used to date in aortic dissection (AD) and to explore how well these instruments evaluate QOL according to the Consensus based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology or guideline.

DATA SOURCES

Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were search on 1st July 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

This scoping review was undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the COSMIN guidelines for performing systematic reviews of validated PROMs. Studies that reported on any aspect or domain of QOL using a PROM or other instrument or methodology on AD were included. Data synthesis, including psychometric property analysis and risk of bias assessment were performed according to COSMIN guidelines.

RESULTS

Forty-five studies, published between 1994 and 2021 reporting on 5 874 patients (mean age 63 years, 70.6% male), were included. A total of 39 PROMs were used, and three studies used semi-structured interviews. The majority (69%) of studies were in patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD). The most common PROM used was the SF-36 (51%). Six studies evaluated one or more psychometric properties of a PROM. Only one of these studies was specifically designed as a validation study. No study reported on content validity. Internal consistency was the most evaluated psychometric property. No study evaluated all the psychometric properties according to COSMIN methodology. The methodological quality used to assess these PROMs was judged to be adequate or very good.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the heterogeneity of PROMs or methods used to determine QOL in AD patients. The lack of research regarding a comprehensive evaluation of the psychometric properties of a PROM used in AD highlights the need for the development and validation of a dissection specific PROM. [PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022310477].

Rehospitalizations, repeated aortic surgery, and death in initial survivors of surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection and the significance of age - a nationwide registry-based cohort study

AIMS

Describe and compare incidences across age groups of rehospitalization, repeated aortic surgery, and death in patients who survived surgery and hospitalization for type A aortic dissection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From Danish nationwide registries, we identified patients hospitalized with Stanford type A aortic dissections (2006-2018). Survivors of hospitalization and surgery on the ascending aorta and/or aortic arch comprised the study population (n = 606, 36 (38.9%) <60 years old (group I), 194 (32.0%) 60-69 years old (group II), and 176 (29.1%) >69 years old (group III)). During the first year, 62.5% were re-hospitalized and 1.4% underwent repeated aortic surgery with no significant differences across age groups (P = 0.68 and P = 0.39, respectively). Further, 5.9% died (group I: 3.0%, group II: 8.3%, group III: 7.4%, P = 0.04). After 10 years, 8.0% had undergone repeated aortic surgery (group I: 11.5%, group II: 8.5%, group III: 1.6%, P = 0.04) and 10.2% (group I), 17.0% (group II), and 22.2% (group III) had died (P = 0.01). Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, we described long-term outcomes comparing age groups. No age differences were found in one-year outcomes, while age > 69 years compared with age < 60 years was associated with a lower rate of repeated aortic surgery (hazard ratio 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.78) and a higher rate of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.44, 95% confidence interval 1.37-4.34) in the 10-years analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Rehospitalizations the first year after discharge were common in all age groups, but survival was high. Repeated aortic surgery was significantly more common among younger than older patients.

Outcomes of surgery for acute type A dissection in octogenarians versus non-octogenarians: a systematic review and meta analysis

INTRODUCTION

Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (ATAAD) is a cardiothoracic emergency that requires urgent intervention. Elderly status, particularly age over 80, is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity. The mid-term outcomes of this age group are also unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was therefore performed to analyse short- and mid-term mortality and morbidity in octogenarians following surgery for ATAAD.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted for studies published since January 2000. The primary endpoint was short-term mortality, either reported as 30-day mortality or in-hospital mortality and medium-term (five year) survival. Secondary endpoints were rates of postoperative complications, namely stroke, acute renal failure (ARF), re-exploration and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

A total of 16 retrospective studies, with a total of 16, 641 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled analysis demonstrated that octogenarian cohorts are at significantly higher risk of short-term mortality than non-octogenarians (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.33-2.81; P < 0.001). Actuarial survival was significantly lower in the octogenarian cohort, with a five-year survival in the octogenarian cohort of 54% compared to 76% in the non-octogenarian cohort (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the cohorts in terms of secondary outcomes: stroke, ARF, re-exploration or ICU LOS.

CONCLUSION

Octogenarians are twice as likely to die in the short-term following surgery for ATAAD and demonstrate a significantly lower five-year actuarial survival. Patients and family members should be well informed of the risks of surgery and suitable octogenarians selected for surgery.

Age, sex, and contemporary outcomes in surgical repair of type A aortic dissection: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample

Objective

Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a surgical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality, as well as significant center-level variation in outcomes. Our study aims to leverage a nationally representative database to assess contemporary in-hospital outcomes in surgical repair of ATAAD, as well as the association of age and sex with outcomes.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify hospital discharge records of patients aged ≥18 years who underwent urgent surgical repair of ATAAD between 2017 and 2018. Patients with a diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection, who underwent surgical intervention of the ascending aorta, were identified. Patient demographics were assessed, and predictors of in-hospital mortality were identified.

Results

We identified 7805 weighted cases of surgically repaired ATAAD nationally, with an overall mortality of 15.3%. Mean age was 60.0 ± 13.6 years. There was a male predominance, although female subjects made up a larger proportion of older age groups—female subjects up 18.4% of patients younger than 40 years with ATAAD but 53.6% of patients older than 80 years. In multivariable analysis controlling for sex, race, comorbidities, and malperfusion, age was a significant predictor of mortality. Patients aged 71 to 80 years had a 5.3-fold increased risk of mortality compared with patients ≤40 years old (P < .001), and patients aged >80 years had a 6.8-fold increased risk of mortality (P < .001). Sex was not significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Surgical repair of ATAAD continues to carry high risk of morbidity and mortality, with outcomes impacted significantly by patient age, regardless of patient comorbidity burden.

Quality of life following surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection: a systematic review

Background

The outcomes of surgery for acute Stanford Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) extend beyond mortality and morbidity. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the literature surrounding health related quality of life (HR-QOL) following ATAAD, compare the outcomes to the standardised population, and to assess the impact of advanced age on HRQOL outcomes following surgery.

Methods

A systematic review of studies after January 2000 was performed to identify HR-QOL in patients following surgery for ATAAD. Electronic searches of three databases were performed and clinical studies extracted by two independent reviewers. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Quality appraisal was conducted utilizing predefined criteria on pilot forms. HR-QOL results were synthesized through a narrative review of included studies.

Results

There was significant attrition in HR-QOL of patients following surgery for ATAAD. Outcomes fared worse when compared to an age adjusted normative population. Of note, elderly patients were physically vulnerable, whereas younger populations may be more mentally vulnerable to postoperative sequalae. The included studies were quite heterogeneous in their study designs, methods, HR-QOL measures reported and follow up time-frames which limited direct comparison between studies.

Conclusion

HR-QOL outcomes are adversely affected when compared to preoperative status and physical health demonstrates significant attrition over time. HR-QOL outcomes are worse off when compared to an age matched general population. In terms of age, advancing age is associated with worse physical component scores but emotional health may fare better than younger patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-022-01875-x.

Partial upper sternotomy for extensive arch repair in older acute type A aortic dissection patients

OBJECTIVES

The partial upper sternotomy (PUS) approach is acceptable for aortic valve replacement, and even aortic root operation. However, the efficiency of PUS for extensive arch repair of acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) in older adult patients has not been well investigated.

METHODS

Between January 2014 and December 2019, 222 older adult patients (≥ 65 years) diagnosed with AAAD went through extensive arch repair, among which 127 received PUS, and 95 underwent full sternotomy (FS). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for early death, and negative binomial regression analysis was applied to explore risk factors related to post-operative ventilator-supporting time and intensive care unit stay time.

RESULTS

Total early mortality was 8.1% (18/222 patients). The PUS group had shorter Cardiopulmonary bypass time (133.0 vs.155.0 min, P < 0.001), cross-clamp time (44.0 vs. 61.0 min, P < 0.001) and shorter selective cerebral perfusion time (11.0 vs. 21.0 min, P < 0.001) than the FS group. Left ventricle ejection fraction  < 50% (odds ratio [OR] 17.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.87-155.63; P = 0.012) and malperfusion syndromes (OR 65.83; 95% CI 11.53-375.86; P < 0.001) were related to early death. In the multivariate model, the PUS approach contributed to shorter ventilator-supporting time (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.76; 95% CI 0.64-0.91; P = 0.003), when compared with the FS group.

CONCLUSIONS

The early results of emergency extensive arch repair of AAAD via PUS in older adult patients were satisfactory. However, the long-term results remain to be investigated.

Outcome of emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in octogenarians

BACKGROUND

Emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) was usually avoided or denied in octogenarians because of high surgical mortality. Refined surgical techniques and improved postoperative care have led to an improved in-hospital outcome. However, a significant number of operative survivors suffered from postoperative complications and had compromised quality of life. We sought to assess the clinical outcome of emergency surgery using a standard conservative approach in octogenarians with AAAD.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2021, 123 patients underwent emergency surgery for AAAD by one surgeon using a standard conservative approach with right subclavian artery cannulation, no aortic cross-clamp, selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, moderate systemic hypothermia, reinforced sandwich technique, and a strategy of limited aortic resection. Hospital and late outcomes were assessed in patients with age >80 years.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (15%) were octogenarians with seven males (39%) and median age of 82 years (range, 80-89). Hypertension was present in six patients (33%). None had diabetes mellitus, Marfan, or bicuspid aortic valve. Dissection was intramural hematoma in six (33%) and DeBakey type I in 15 patients (83%). Cardiac tamponade with shock was present in seven patients (39%). Ascending aortic grafting was performed in 17 patients, and additional hemiarch replacement in one patient. The hospital mortality rate was 17% (3/18). Fourteen patients (82%) were alive and well at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency surgery for AAAD using a standard conservative approach showed an improved outcome in octogenarians. The majority of patients could return home with an acceptable living.

Management of acute type A aortic dissection in the elderly: an analysis from IRAD

OBJECTIVES

We sought to examine management and outcomes of (Stanford) type A aortic dissection (TAAAD) in patients aged >70 years.

METHODS

All patients with TAAAD enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection database (1996-2018) were studied (n = 5553). Patients were stratified by age and therapeutic strategy. Outcomes for octogenarians were compared with those for septuagenarians. Variables associated with in-hospital mortality were identified by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality for all patients (all ages) was 19.7% (1167 deaths), 16.1% after surgical intervention vs 52.1% for medical management (P < 0.001). Of the study population, 1281 patients (21.6%) were aged 71-80 years and 475 (8.0%) were >80 years. Fewer octogenarians underwent surgery versus septuagenarians (68.1% vs 85.9%, P < 0.001). Overall mortality was higher for octogenarians versus septuagenarians (32.0% vs 25.6%, P = 0.008); however, surgical mortality was similar (25.1% vs 21.7%, P = 0.205). Postoperative complications were comparable between surgically managed cohorts, although reoperation for bleeding was more common in septuagenarians (8.1% vs 3.2%, P = 0.033). Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival was significantly superior after surgical repair in all age groups, including septuagenarians (57.0% vs 13.7%, P < 0.001) and octogenarians (35.5% vs 22.6%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with septuagenarians, a smaller percentage of octogenarians undergo surgical repair for TAAAD, even though postoperative outcomes are similar. Age alone should not preclude consideration for surgery in appropriately selected patients with TAAAD.

Type A Acute Aortic Dissection Presenting With Cerebrovascular Accident at Advanced Age

Our aim was to analyze outcomes of patients aged 70 years or above presenting with type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA). A retrospective analysis of the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) was conducted. Patients aged 70 years or above (n = 1449) were stratified according to presence or absence of CVA before surgery (CVA: n = 110, 7.6%). In-hospital outcomes and mortality up to 5 years were analyzed. Additionally, in-hospital outcomes of patients who received medical management were described. No patient presenting with CVA over the age of 87 years underwent surgery. The rates of in-hospital mortality and post-operative CVA were significantly higher in patients presenting with CVA (in-hospital mortality: 32.7% vs 21.7%, P = 0.008; post-operative CVA: 23.4% vs 8.3%, P < 0.001). Presence of CVA was independently associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 1.35 - 6.60, P = 0.007). In survivors of the hospital stay, presenting CVA had no independent influence on mortality up to 5 years (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 0.99 - 2.31, P = 0.54). In medically managed patients, exceedingly high rates of in-hospital mortality (71.4%) and CVA (90.9%) were noted. Patients presenting with TAAAD and CVA at ≥ 70 years of age are at significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality, although long-term mortality is not affected in hospital survivors. Medical management is associated with poor outcomes. We believe that surgical management should be offered after critical assessment of comorbidities.

Direct Axillary Artery Cannulation for Type A Dissection and Impact of Dissected Innominate Artery

BACKGROUND

This study seeks to assess the safety of direct axillary artery (AX) cannulation for acute type A dissection (ATAD) repair, including the impact of innominate artery dissection (IAD).

METHODS

Of 281 consecutive patients who underwent ATAD repair from 2007 to 2020, preoperative computed tomography was available in 200 (IAD: N=101, non-IAD N=99). IAD with compromised true lumen was defined as dissection in which the false lumen was greater than 50% of the IA diameter (N=75/101).

RESULTS

AX cannulation was attempted in 188 patients (94.0%), with a 1.6% vascular injury rate (3 patients; bypass to the distal AX: 2 patients, and local dissection: 1 patient). Most patients (89.5%) underwent hemiarch replacement using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest for the distal repair. Right AX cannulation was used in 80.2% of patients with IAD and in 88.9% without IAD (p=0.075). Patients with IAD had more cerebral (21.8%vs. 5.1%, p=0.001) and arm malperfsion (11.9% vs.4.0%, p=0.075). Operative mortality and stroke were comparable between Non-IAD and IAD groups (8.1% vs. 7.9%, p=1.00 and 4.0% vs. 5.3%, p=0.689). The right AX was successfully used in 77.3% of IAD patients having a compromised true lumen, with comparable hospital outcomes to non-compromised IAD patients. Upper extremity malperfusion, multi-organ malperfusion, low ejection fraction, and female gender were predictors for non-right AX cannulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine direct AX cannulation strategy is safe in ATAD repair. Right AX cannulation can be used in most patients with IAD, even with a compromised true lumen, with low mortality, stroke and vascular injury rates.

An Incident of a Massive Pulmonary Embolism Following Acute Aortic Dissection. a Case Report

Acute aortic dissection and acute pulmonary embolism are two life-threatening emergencies. The presented case is of an 81-year-old man who has been diagnosed with an acute Stanford type A aortic dissection and referred to a tertiary hospital for surgical treatment. After a successful aortic repair and an overall favourable postoperative recovery, he was diagnosed with cervical and upper extremity deep vein thrombosis and was anticoagulated accordingly. He later presented with massive bilateral pulmonary embolism.

Outcomes of Acute Aortic Dissection Surgery in Octogenarians

Background Octogenarians (≥80 years old) are high-risk patients for acute aortic dissection (AAD) surgery. However, no population-based study has investigated the late outcomes of AAD surgery in octogenarians. This study aimed to investigate the late outcomes of AAD surgery in octogenarians. Methods and Results A total of 3998 patients who received AAD surgery from 2005 to 2013 were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. In-hospital complications and late outcomes including all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event, respiratory failure, and redo aortic surgery were evaluated. The risks of late outcomes between octogenarians and nonoctogenarians were compared using the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model or Fine and Gray competing model. The numbers of the octogenarians who underwent type A and B AAD surgeries were 206 (6%; 206/3423) and 79 (13.7%; 79/575), respectively. Compared with the nonoctogenarians, the type A octogenarians had higher risks of in-hospital mortality and several in-hospital complications, whereas the type B octogenarians did not. Furthermore, compared with the nonoctogenarians, the type A octogenarians had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (61.7% vs 32.5%; hazard ratio [HR], 2.35; 95% CI, 1.95-2.84) and a higher cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event and respiratory failure, and the type B octogenarians demonstrated a higher risk of all-cause mortality (44.3% vs 30.4%; HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.18-2.55). The octogenarians receiving AAD surgeries had higher mortality rates than the normal octogenarian population. Conclusions Octogenarians receiving AAD surgeries exhibit worse late outcomes than nonoctogenarian counterparts.

Clinical outcome of acute thoracic aortic syndrome in nonagenarians

BACKGROUND

Decision-making regarding the operability of thoracic aortic disease in nonagenarian patients remains controversial because outcomes of open surgical repair of the thoracic aorta are unclear. We investigated the surgical and nonsurgical outcomes of acute thoracic aortic syndrome treatment in nonagenarians.

METHODS

After evaluating data in our institute from April 2016 to March 2020, we included 10 nonagenarians who needed surgical intervention on the thoracic aorta via a median sternotomy for acute thoracic aortic syndrome. The mean age of the cohort was 91.9 ± 2.1 years. Five patients underwent open surgical repair of the thoracic aorta (surgical group), and 5 refused surgery (nonsurgical group). All patients in the surgical group performed activities of daily living independently, with a mean clinical frailty scale of 3.2 ± 0.4. The surgical group included 4 patients with type A aortic dissection and one with a ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm. Hemiarch replacement was performed in 3 patients and total arch replacement in 2. The mean follow-up period was 17.8 ± 5.1 months.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality rates were 0% in the surgical and 80% in the nonsurgical group. The mean length of hospitalization was 28.4 ± 6.7 days in the surgical group. The 1-year survival rates were 100% in the surgical group and 20% in the nonsurgical group.

CONCLUSION

Open surgical repair for acute thoracic aortic syndrome via median sternotomy is a reasonable treatment option even in nonagenarians. Involvement of family members is important for decision-making to devise the optimal treatment strategy (surgical vs. medical).

Midterm outcomes of emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in octogenarians

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of elderly patients with acute type A aortic dissection is increasing. A recent analysis of the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection failed to show a mortality benefit with surgery compared with medical management in octogenarians. Therefore, we compared our institutional outcomes of emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in octogenarians versus septuagenarians to understand the outcomes of surgical intervention in elderly patients.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2017, 70 octogenarians (aged ≥80 years) and 165 septuagenarians (70-79 years) underwent surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (N = 235, total). Quality of life was assessed by the RAND Short Form-36 quality of life survey. Midterm clinical and functional data were obtained retrospectively.

RESULTS

At baseline, septuagenarians had a higher prevalence of diabetes (20.6% vs 5.7%, P = .01). The prevalence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 4.8% versus 10.0% (P = .24) in septuagenarians and octogenarians. The prevalence of cardiogenic shock was 18.2% versus 27.1% (P = .17). Thirty-day/in-hospital mortality was 21.2% versus 28.6% (P = .29). Multivariable logistic regression identified cardiogenic shock as an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 10.07; 95% confidence interval, 2.30-44.03) in octogenarians. Survival at 5 years was 49.7% (42.1%-58.6%) versus 34.2% (23.9%-48.8%) in septuagenarians and octogenarians, respectively. Responses to the quality of life survey were no different between septuagenarians and octogenarians across all 8 quality of life categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection are similar in octogenarians and septuagenarians. For discharged survivors, quality of life remains favorable and does not differ between the 2 groups.

The impact of age on patients undergoing aortic arch surgery: Evidence from a multicenter national registry

OBJECTIVE

Elderly patients are typically offered aortic surgery at similar diameter thresholds as younger patients, despite limited data quantifying their operative risk. We aim to report the incremental risk experienced by elderly patients undergoing aortic arch surgery.

METHODS

In total, 2520 patients underwent aortic arch surgery between 2002 and 2018 in 10 centers. Patients were divided into 3 groups: <65 years (n = 1325), 65 to 74 years (n = 737), and ≥75 years (n = 458). Outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, stroke, and the modified Society of Thoracic Surgeons composite for mortality or major morbidity (STS-COMP). Multivariable modeling was performed to determine the association of age with these outcomes.

RESULTS

As age increased, there was an increasing rate of comorbidities, including diabetes (P < .001), renal failure (P < .001), and previous stroke (P = .01). Rates of acute aortic syndrome (P = .50) and total arch repair were similar (P = .59) between groups. Older patients had greater mortality (<65: 6.1% vs 65-74: 9.0% vs ≥75: 14%, P < .001), stroke (6.3% vs 7.7% vs 11%, P = .01) and STS-COMP (25% vs 32% vs 38%, P < .001). After multivariable risk-adjustment, a step-wise increase in complications was observed in the older age groups relative to the youngest in terms of in-hospital mortality (65-74: odds ratio [OR] 1.57, P = .04; ≥75: OR, 2.94, P = .001) and STS-COMP (65-74: OR, 1.57, P < .001; ≥75: OR, 1.96, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients experienced elevated rates of mortality and morbidity following aortic arch surgery. These results support a more measured approach when evaluating elderly patients. Further research is needed on age-dependent natural history of thoracic aneurysms and size thresholds for intervention.

Older Adults in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit: Factoring Geriatric Syndromes in the Management, Prognosis, and Process of Care: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Longevity is increasing, and more adults are living to the stage of life when age-related biological factors determine a higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease in a distinctive context of concurrent geriatric conditions. Older adults with cardiovascular disease are frequently admitted to cardiac intensive care units (CICUs), where care is commensurate with high age-related cardiovascular disease risks but where the associated geriatric conditions (including multimorbidity, polypharmacy, cognitive decline and delirium, and frailty) may be inadvertently exacerbated and destabilized. The CICU environment of procedures, new medications, sensory overload, sleep deprivation, prolonged bed rest, malnourishment, and sleep is usually inherently disruptive to older patients regardless of the excellence of cardiovascular disease care. Given these fundamental and broad challenges of patient aging, CICU management priorities and associated decision-making are particularly complex and in need of enhancements. In this American Heart Association statement, we examine age-related risks and describe some of the distinctive dynamics pertinent to older adults and emerging opportunities to enhance CICU care. Relevant assessment tools are discussed, as well as the need for additional clinical research to best advance CICU care for the already dominating and still expanding population of older adults.

Characteristics and Surgical Results of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in Patients Younger Than 50 Years of Age

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics and surgical outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) in patients younger than 50 years of age. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 307 patients who consecutively underwent surgical treatment for AAAD in our institute from January 2007 to June 2017. Patients were classified into two groups: the young group with 31 patients aged younger than 50 and the old group with 276 patients aged 50 years or older. Results: In-hospital mortality was similar in both groups (3.2% vs. 9.4%, p=0.19). Overall survival at 5 years was higher in the young group than that in the old group (97% vs. 71%, p=0.017). No significant differences were observed in freedom from aorta-related death and distal aortic reoperation at 5 years (97% vs. 87%, p=0.26; 86% vs. 92%, p=0.093). The percentage of young patients with postoperative patent false lumen at the descending aorta was significantly higher than that of old patients (76% vs. 30%, p<0.001) in spite of primary entry resection. Conclusion: Early and mid-term outcomes for AAAD in young patients were satisfactory. However, future follow-up is important because postoperative patent false lumen is at a high rate in young patients in spite of entry resection.

Replacing the ascending aorta in the elderly: do or do not

Advanced age is a proven independent factor for perioperative morbidity and mortality in all forms of aortic surgery and forms an important variable in most available risk scores. Improvements in selection and perioperative management of high-risk elderly cohorts have reduced the incidence of adverse outcomes. Concerns remain however in the surgical and anesthesiology community that exposing elderly frail patients to ascending aortic surgery is associated with significant risk. As with many clinical scenarios, individualization of care for each patient is of paramount importance. With advances in our understanding of perioperative and intraoperative care, age should no longer be considered in isolation as a contraindication to ascending aortic surgery.

Surgical outcomes of aortic repair via transapical cannulation and the adventitial inversion technique for acute Type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of aortic repair via transapical cannulation and the adventitial inversion technique for acute Type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2015, a total of 300 patients with acute Type A aortic dissection underwent emergency surgery, consisting of 271 hemiarch repairs and 29 total aortic arch replacements, using transapical cannulation and the adventitial inversion technique at a distal anastomosis. The mean follow-up periods were 31.7 ± 25.2 months. Overall, 18% (54/300) of the patients were octogenarians, and 21.7% (65/300) had cardiac tamponade; 25% (75/300) had preoperative malperfusion.

RESULTS

The in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were 8.3% (25/300) and 6.7% (20/300), respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.7% (6/225) among patients without preoperative malperfusion and 18.7% (14/75) among patients with malperfusion (P < 0.0001), 7.4% (4/54) among octogenarians and 6.5% (16/246) among patients aged less than 80 years (P = 0.81), and 6.3% (17/271) among patients treated with hemiarch repair and 10.3% (3/29) among patients treated with total aortic arch replacement (P = 0.403). Preoperative malperfusion was an independent predictor of perioperative mortality in a multivariable analysis. During the follow-up period, distal reintervention was performed in 11% (33/300) of the patients. The rates of freedom from reintervention at 1, 3 and 5 years were 95.9%, 88.9% and 80.0%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 88.7%, 86.7% and 82.0%, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate for elective reintervention was 3.0% (1/33).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic repair via transapical cannulation and the adventitial inversion technique for acute Type A aortic dissection provides good early and mid-term results. The safety of elective distal reintervention can be guaranteed. To obtain better operative outcomes, effective treatment for cases with malperfusion is mandatory.

Treatment outcomes for acute type A aortic dissection with patent false lumen in patients over the age of 80

OBJECTIVES

While reports which focus on the outcomes of conservative treatments for acute type A aortic dissection in patients over the age of 80 are worth considering, recently many studies have reported improved outcomes of surgical treatment. Accordingly, we analyzed the outcomes of surgical and conservative treatments for acute type A aortic dissection with patent false lumen in patients over the age of 80.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated 70 patients over 80 years in age out of 248 consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection between January, 2010, and May, 2015. Of the 70 patients, 44 underwent surgical treatments (ascending replacement in 33 and total arch replacement in 11) and 23 patients underwent conservative medical treatments.

RESULTS

In the surgical treatment, the 30-day mortality rate was 14% (6/44) and the rate of morbidity was 34%. And 17 patients (39%) were discharged home without ambulatory assistance. The actuarial survival rates in the surgical treatment group were 83% and 60% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. The in-hospital death rate of conservative medical treatment was 43% (10/23). Only 26% of the patients having had conservative treatment were discharged home without ambulatory assistance. The actuarial survival rate in the conservative medical group was 8.7% at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Surgical outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection with patent false lumen were satisfactory in patients aged over 80 in this study by meticulously determining operative indications, depending on the background of each patient.

Medical Management of Three Patients with an Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: Case Series and a Review of the Literature

The model of surgery first and always for Type A aortic dissections has continued to evolve. During the last three decades, various studies have demonstrated that in select patients, surgery should be delayed or avoided. This case series examines three cases in which patients were medically treated. Furthermore, we review the literature and when surgery should be delayed for acute Type A aortic dissections.

Comparison of surgical and conservative treatment outcomes for type a aortic dissection in elderly patients

Background

In recent years, surgical outcomes have improved, and positive reports on surgery for type A aortic dissection (AAD) in the elderly are increasing. However, the difference between surgical and conservative treatments in the elderly remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine whether surgery should be performed for Stanford (AAD) in elderly patients.

Methods

Data of patients aged 80 years or older who were hospitalized for AAD from April 2014 to March 2016 were extracted from the Japanese national inpatient database. Outcome measures were all-cause in-hospital death, stroke, acute kidney injury and tracheotomy, and composite adverse events (consisting of all-cause in-hospital death, stroke, acute kidney injury, and tracheotomy), and we compared them between surgical and conservative treatments using propensity score matching.

Results

The study cohort included 3258 patients, with 845 matched pairs (1690 patients) in the propensity score matching. All-cause in-hospital death was significantly lower in the surgical treatment group than in the conservative treatment group before and after matching (15.6% vs. 51.1%, p < 0.001; 16.7% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001, respectively); however, there was no significant difference in composite adverse events after matching (36.0%, conservative vs. 37.2%, surgical; p = 0.65), and adjusted odds ratio was 1.06 and 95% confidence interval was 0.86–1.29 (p = 0.61) with reference to conservative treatment.

Conclusions

All-cause in-hospital death among elderly patients with AAD was significantly lower in patients treated surgically than in those undergoing conservative treatment. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the event-free survival, which is important for the elderly. These findings may be used in the consideration of treatment course for elderly patients with AAD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13019-018-0814-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of age on early outcomes and long-term survival of patients undergoing aortic repair with Stanford A dissection

Objectives:

Stanford A acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening emergency, typically occurring in older patients and requiring immediate surgical repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate early outcome and short- and long-term survival of patients under and above 65 years of age.

Methods:

Two hundred and forty patients with Stanford A AAD underwent aortic surgical repair from January 2006 to April 2015 in our center. After statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival estimation was performed, with up to 9-year follow-up, comprising patients under and above 65 years of age.

Results:

The proportion of patients above 65 years of age suffering from Stanford A AAD was 50% (n=120). The group of patients above 65 years of age compared to the group under 65 years of age showed statistically significant differences in terms of higher odds ratios (OR) for hypertension (p=0.012), peripheral vascular disease (p=0.026) and tachyarrhythmia absoluta (p=0.004). Patients over 65 years of age also showed significantly poorer short- and long-term survival. Our subgroup analysis revealed that male patients (Breslow p=0.001, Log-Rank p=0.001) and patients suffering with hypertension (Breslow p=0.003, Log-Rank p=0.001) were reasonable for these results whereas younger and older female patients showed similar short- and long-term outcome (Breslow p=0.926, Log-Rank p=0.724). After stratifying all patients into 4 age groups (<45; 55-65; 65-75; >75years), short-term survival of the patients appeared to be significantly poorer with increasing age (Breslow p=0.026, Log-Rank p=0.008) whereas long-term survival of patients free from cerebrovascular events (Breslow p=0.0494, Log-Rank p=0.489) remained similar.

Conclusions:

All patients referred to our hospital for repair of Stanford A AAD with higher age had poorer short- and long-term survival, caused by male patients and patients suffering from hypertension, whereas survival of women and survival free from cerebrovascular events of the entire patient cohort was similar, irrespective of age.

Repair of TEVAR-Associated Type A Dissection in the Elderly Is Possible With Reasonable Morbidity and Mortality

BACKGROUND

Type A aortic dissection (AAD) is a devastating complication of thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR). In elderly patients, surgery for AAD carries considerable morbidity and mortality. Repair of AAD after previous TEVAR is an even greater challenge as it usually requires the arch to be addressed and a preexisting stent graft to be included into the aortic repair.

METHODS

A case series of 5 elderly patients who presented with acute AAD after previous TEVAR was reviewed. In 4 cases, there was retrograde AAD with involvement of the arch and stent graft. In 1 patient, intraoperative inspection showed no involvement of the arch. Three underwent ascending and subtotal arch replacement in moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest with selective cerebral perfusion. In 1 case, concomitant tricuspid valve repair was performed. The patient without involvement of the arch underwent emergent replacement of the ascending aorta in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, and in the oldest, aged 88 years, surgery was limited to wrapping of the ascending aorta as an on-pump beating salvage procedure.

RESULTS

Four (80%) of 5 patients survived and were discharged after an intensive care unit stay of 17.45 ± 15.98 days and a hospital stay of 26.0 ± 10.98 days. Mortality was 20%. All survivors were discharged with appropriate rehabilitation potential and without lasting neurological disabilities.

Long-Term Survival and Quality of Life After Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest in Aortic Surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Hypothermic circulatory arrest carries a high risk of mortality and neurological complications. An important part of assessing surgical treatment is the evaluation of long-term survival and postoperative health-related quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

In this prospective study, 30 patients undergoing hypothermic circulatory arrest during surgery of the thoracic aorta, and 31 comparison patients undergoing elective coronary artery surgery without hypothermic circulatory arrest were evaluated for long-term survival and health-related quality of life, using the RAND 36-Item Health Survey questionnaire. The results were compared to national age- and sex-matched reference populations of the chronically ill and healthy adults.

RESULTS:

After 4.6-8.0 years, available study (88%) and comparison (59%) patients were interviewed. The life expectancy was similar with 4- and 8-year survival of 90%, and 87% for the study group, and 94%, and 94% for the comparison group, respectively (log rank test, p = 0.62). The RAND-36 scores for study and comparison groups were congruent in all dimensions, describing physical, mental, and social domains. The study patients' health-related quality of life results were similar to the national reference population with chronic illnesses.

CONCLUSION:

After hypothermic circulatory arrest, patients undergoing surgery of the thoracic aorta achieve a similar long-term life expectancy and health-related quality of life as do patients undergoing coronary surgery without hypothermic circulatory arrest, and a health-related quality of life similar to the national reference population with chronic illnesses. These results justify operative treatment in this high-risk patient population.

Long-term outcome and quality of life following emergency surgery for acute aortic dissection type A: a comparison between young and elderly adults

Objectives

Innovations in surgical techniques and perioperative management have continuously improved survival rates for acute aortic dissection type A (AADA). The aim of our study was to evaluate long-term outcome and quality of life (QoL) after surgery for AADA in elderly patients compared with younger patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 242 consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for AADA between January 2004 and April 2014. Patients were divided into two groups: those aged 70 years and older (elderly group; n  = 78, mean age, 76 ± 4 years) and those younger than 70 years (younger group; n  = 164, mean age, 56 ± 10 years). QoL was assessed with the Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) 1 year after surgery.

Results

The questionnaire return rate was 91.0%. There were already significant differences noted between the two groups with regard to preoperative risk factors on admission. The clinical presentation with a cardiac tamponade was higher in the elderly group (62.8% vs 47.6%; P  = 0.03). Intraoperatively, complex procedures were more common in the younger group (21.3% vs 5.2%; P  = 0.001). Accordingly, cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times were significantly longer in the younger group. The operative mortality was similar in both groups (3.8% vs 1.2%; P  = 0.33). In the elderly population, 30-day mortality was higher (21.8% vs 7.9%; P  = 0.003). One-year (72% vs 85%), 3-year (68% vs 84%) and 5-year (63% vs 79%) survival rates were satisfactory for the elderly group, but significantly lower compared with the younger group ( P  = 0.008). The physical component summary score also was similar between the groups (39.14 ± 11.12 vs 39.12 ± 12.02; P  = 0.99). However, the mental component summary score might be slightly higher in the elderly group but not statistically significant (51.61 ± 10.73 vs 48.63 ± 11.25; P  = 0.12).

Conclusions

Satisfactory long-term outcome and the general perception of well-being encourage surgery in selected elderly patients with AADA.

Emergent aortic surgery in octogenarians: is the advanced age a contraindication?

Surgery of both the ascending and descending aortic segments in the context of an acute aortic syndrome is one of the greatest challenges for the cardiac surgeon. In the case of surgery of the descending aorta, surgical risk increases due to the technical complexity, the required aggressive approach and because surgical indication is usually established as a result of complications and therefore involves, almost always, critically ill patients. The aging of the population is causing such surgery to be considered in an increasing number of octogenarians. The present review analyzes the available scientific evidence on the surgical indications and outcomes of these complex procedures in this population, particularly in the emergent scenario. Ascending and descending thoracic aortic diseases are reviewed separately, and the role of both the current risk scores and frailty assessments are comprehensively discussed.

Surgical repair of Stanford type A aortic dissection in elderly patients: a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The results of surgical treatment of type A aortic dissection (AAD) in the elderly are controversial and aggravated by a higher operative mortality rate. The studies published in this subset of patients are mainly retrospective analyses or small samples from international registries. We sought to investigate this topic by conducting a contemporary meta-analysis of the most recent observational studies.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted for any study published in the last five years on aortic dissection treated surgically in patients 70 years and older. A pooled risk-ratio meta-analysis has been conducted three main post-operative outcomes: short-term mortality, stroke and acute kidney injury.

RESULTS

A total of 11 retrospective observational studies have been included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Pooled meta-analysis showed an increased risk of short term mortality for the elderly population [relative risk (RR) =2.25; 95% CI, 1.79-2.83; I (2)=0%; P<0.0001], and this has been confirmed in a sub-analysis of patients 80 years and older. The risk of having stroke (RR =1.15; 95% CI, 0.89-1.5; I (2)=0%; P=0.28) and acute kidney injury (RR =0.79; 95% CI, 0.5-1.25, I (2)=14%, P=0.31) after surgery were comparable to the younger cohort of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Although affected by an increased risk of short-term mortality in the elderly, surgical repair remains the treatment of choice for AAD. The main post-operative outcomes are comparable to younger patients and the mid-term survival rates are acceptable.

Differential aspects of the disease and treatment of Thoracic Acute Aortic Dissection (TAAD)-the European experience

The management of patients with acute aortic dissection continues to be a challenge. It is an uncommon but lethal condition which continues to be under-diagnosed and under-treated. In this review, the term acute aortic syndrome is preferred in order to embrace the closely related pathologies of intramural hematoma (IMH) and penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU).

Aortic dissection

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition caused by a tear in the intimal layer of the aorta or bleeding within the aortic wall, resulting in the separation (dissection) of the layers of the aortic wall. Aortic dissection is most common in those 65-75 years of age, with an incidence of 35 cases per 100,000 people per year in this population. Other risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidaemia and genetic disorders that involve the connective tissue, such as Marfan syndrome. Swift diagnostic confirmation and adequate treatment are crucial in managing affected patients. Contemporary management is multidisciplinary and includes serial non-invasive imaging, biomarker testing and genetic risk profiling for aortopathy. The choice of approach for repairing or replacing the damaged region of the aorta depends on the severity and the location of the dissection and the risks of complication from surgery. Open surgical repair is most commonly used for dissections involving the ascending aorta and the aortic arch, whereas minimally invasive endovascular intervention is appropriate for descending aorta dissections that are complicated by rupture, malperfusion, ongoing pain, hypotension or imaging features of high risk. Recent advances in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of aortic dissection have led to more patients being considered at substantial risk of complications and, therefore, in need of endovascular intervention rather than only medical or surgical intervention.

Analysis of early and long-term outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection according to the new international aortic arch surgery study group recommendations

To evaluate predictors of early and long-term outcomes of surgical repair of acute Type A aortic dissection. Retrospective single-centre study evaluating patients surgically treated between 1998 and 2013. Clinical follow-up was performed. Complications were classified according to the International Aortic Arch Surgery Study Group recommendations. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate analysis of preoperative and operative data. One hundred eighty-five patients were evaluated. The follow-up was complete for 180 patients (97 %). Mean age was 63 years, 82 % had a DeBakey type I aortic dissection, 18 % a type II. Eleven patients (6 %) died intraoperatively, 119 of the remaining (68 %) had postoperative complications. Thirty-day mortality was 21 % (38 patients). Average ICU and hospital stay were 6 and 14 days, respectively. During a mean follow-up time of 6 ± 4 years we observed 44 deaths (31 %). Twenty patients (14 %) needed late thoracic aorta reoperation. Results from the multivariate analysis are as follows. Thirty-day mortality was associated with abdominal pain at presentation (p < 0.01). The incidence of postoperative complications was related to older age at intervention (p < 0.01) and longer cross-clamp time (p < 0.01). Mortality at follow-up was significantly increased by older age at intervention (p < 0.01), with a logarithmic growth after 60 years, female sex (p < 0.01), preoperative limb ischemia (p = 0.02) and DHCA (p < 0.01). The surgical results of type A aortic dissection are affected by age at intervention with a logarithmic increase of late mortality in patients older than 60 years.