Clinical features of acute aortic dissection from the Registry of Aortic Dissection in China

Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality in Type A Acute Aortic Syndrome: Data From the RENADA-RO Registry

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyse the baseline characteristics of patients admitted with acute type A aortic syndrome (ATAAS) and to identify the potential predictors of in-hospital mortality in surgically managed patients.

METHODS

Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory work-up, and management of 501 patients with ATAAS enrolled in the National Registry of Aortic Dissections-Romania registry from January 2011 to December 2022 were evaluated. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of mortality in patients with acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) who underwent surgery.

RESULTS

The mean age was 60±11 years and 65% were male. Computed tomography was the first-line diagnostic tool (79%), followed by transoesophageal echocardiography (21%). Cardiac surgery was performed in 88% of the patients. The overall mortality in the entire cohort was 37.9%, while surgically managed ATAAD patients had an in-hospital mortality rate of 29%. In multivariate logistic regression, creatinine value (OR 6.76), ST depression on ECG (OR 6.3), preoperative malperfusion (OR 5.77), cardiogenic shock (OR 5.77), abdominal pain (OR 4.27), age ≥70 years (OR 3.76), and syncope (OR 3.43) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality in surgically managed ATAAD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk stratification based on the variables collected at admission may help to identify ATAAS patients with high risk of death following cardiac surgery.

A Multicenter Study of the Mid-term Outcomes of Patients with Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection After Distal Porous Talos Stent-Graft Implantation

BACKGROUND

The Talos stent-graft has extended length to improve aortic remodeling, and distal porous design to decrease the rate of spinal cord ischemia (SCI). This study retrospectively analyzed its mid-term outcomes for uncomplicated type B aortic dissection in a multicenter study.

METHODS

The primary safety end point was 30-day major adverse events, including all-cause mortality, dissection-related mortality, conversion to open surgery, and device-related adverse events. The primary efficacy end point was treatment success at 12 months postoperation, defined as no technical failure or secondary dissection-related reintervention. The survival status of the patients was visualized using the Kaplan-Meier curve. Aortic growth was assessed at 4 levels, and SCI was evaluated at 12 months.

RESULTS

113 patients participated with a mean age of 54.4 (11.1) years and 71.7% (81/113) were male. The 30-day mortality was 0.9% (1/113), no conversions to open surgery or device-related adverse events were recorded. The 12-month treatment success rate was 99.1% (112/113), with no dissection-related reinterventions. There was no spinal cord or visceral ischemia at 12 months. At a median of 34 months follow-up, 9 further deaths were recorded and the 3-year survival rate was 91.7%. The percentage of aortic growth was 1.8% (2/111) at the tracheal bifurcation, 3.6% (4/111) below the left atrium, 6.0% (5/83) above the celiac artery, and 12.1% (9/74) below the lower renal artery. The total thrombosis rate of the false lumen at the stented segment was 80.5% (91/113).

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed satisfactory results of Talos stent-graft in terms of safety and efficacy. More data are needed to confirm the long-term performance.

Extravertebral low back pain: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for consultation in general practice. Currently, LBP is categorised into specific and non-specific causes. However, extravertebral causes, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm or pancreatitis, are not being considered.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed across MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library, complemented by a handsearch. Studies conducted between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2020, where LBP was the main symptom, were included.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 6040 studies, from which duplicates were removed, leaving 4105 studies for title and abstract screening. Subsequently, 265 publications were selected for inclusion, with an additional 197 publications identified through the handsearch. The majority of the studies were case reports and case series, predominantly originating from specialised care settings. A clear distinction between vertebral or rare causes of LBP was not always possible. A range of diseases were identified as potential extravertebral causes of LBP, encompassing gynaecological, urological, vascular, systemic, and gastrointestinal diseases. Notably, guidelines exhibited inconsistencies in addressing extravertebral causes.

DISCUSSION

Prior to this review, there has been no systematic investigation into extravertebral causes of LBP. Although these causes are rare, the absence of robust and reliable epidemiological data hinders a comprehensive understanding, as well as the lack of standardised protocols, which contributes to a lack of accurate description of indicative symptoms. While there are certain disease-specific characteristics, such as non-mechanical or cyclical LBP, and atypical accompanying symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, or leg swelling, that may suggest extravertebral causes, it is important to recognise that these features are not universally present in every patient.

CONCLUSION

The differential diagnosis of extravertebral LBP is extensive with relatively low prevalence rates dependent on the clinical setting. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for extravertebral aetiologies, especially in patients presenting with atypical accompanying symptoms.

Biomarker Screening by LCMS and Liquid Chip Technology in Acute Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

Aortic dissection (AD) is a serious disease. Previous study, the use of peripheral blood biomarkers to diagnose AD showed strong clinical feasibility, but the possible molecular mechanism is unclear.

METHODS

Sera from 79 healthy subjects, 73 patients with well-established AD, and 74 patients with well-established acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were investigated by Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer to detect metabolites (AFMK, Glycerophosphocholine, Inosine, SPH). The cell factor expression in the 3 group were detected by Liquid Chip Technology.

RESULTS

The serum content trends of 4 metabolic indexes in patients with AMI and AD group were used as the diagnostic models, and the effective diagnosis rate was 97.8%. The diagnosis rate is 89.8% in distinguishing patients with AMI from patients with AD. The expression in serum of the 3 groups showed that there were significant differences in the expression of 23 cytokines. By correlation analysis, it was found that miP-1, IL-7, MIP-1β, EGF and other cytokines were significantly correlated with the 4 metabolic molecules.

CONCLUSIONS

AFMK, Glycerophosphocholine, Inosine, Sphingfungin B (SPH) metabolites are potential biomarkers for AD, and the influence of related metabolic process may be related to the expression of miP-1, IL-7, MIP-1β, EGF, and other cytokines.

Relative band power in assessing temporary neurological dysfunction post- type A aortic dissection surgery: a prospective study

Temporary neurological dysfunction (TND), a common complication following surgical repair of Type A Aortic Dissection (TAAD), is closely associated with increased mortality and long-term cognitive impairment. Currently, effective treatment options for TND remain elusive. Therefore, we sought to investigate the potential of postoperative relative band power (RBP) in predicting the occurrence of postoperative TND, with the aim of identifying high-risk patients prior to the onset of TND. We conducted a prospective observational study between February and December 2022, involving 165 patients who underwent surgical repair for TAAD at our institution. Bedside Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) was utilized to monitor the post-operative brain electrical activity of each participant, recording changes in RBP (RBP Delta, RBP Theta, RBP Beta and RBP Alpha), and analyzing their correlation with TND. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors for TND. Subsequently, line graphs were generated to estimate the incidence of TND. The primary outcome of interest was the development of TND, while secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) admission and length of hospital stay. A total of 165 patients were included in the study, among whom 68 (41.2%) experienced TND. To further investigate the independent risk factors for postoperative TND, we conducted both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses on all variables. In the univariate regression analysis, we identified age (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.025; 95% CI, 1.002-1.049), age ≥ 60 years (OR, 2.588; 95% CI, 1.250-5.475), hemopericardium (OR, 2.767; 95% CI, 1.150-7.009), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.001-1.014), RBP Delta (OR, 1.047; 95% CI, 1.020-1.077), RBP Alpha (OR, 0.853; 95% CI, 0.794-0.907), and Beta (OR, 0.755; 95% CI, 0.649-0.855) as independent risk factors for postoperative TND. Further multivariate regression analyses, we discovered that CPB time ≥ 180 min (OR, 1.021; 95% CI, 1.011-1.032), RBP Delta (OR, 1.168; 95% CI, 1.105-1.245), and RBP Theta (OR, 1.227; 95% CI, 1.135-1.342) emerged as independent risk factors. TND patients had significantly longer ICU stays (p < 0.001), and hospital stays (p = 0.002). We obtained the simplest predictive model for TND, consisting of three variables (CPB time ≥ 180 min, RBP Delta, RBP Theta, upon which we constructed column charts. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) were 0.821 (0.755, 0.887). Our study demonstrates that postoperative RBP monitoring can detect changes in brain function in patients with TAAD during the perioperative period, providing clinicians with an effective predictive method that can help improve postoperative TND in TAAD patients. These findings have important implications for improving clinical care in this population.Trial registration ChiCTR2200055980. Registered 30th Jan. 2022. This trial was registered before the first participant was enrolled.

Computed Tomography Scan of the Aorta to Predict Type B Aortic Dissection

BACKGROUND

 The purpose of this study is to find the high-risk morphological features in type B aortic dissection (TBAD) population and to establish an early detection model.

METHODS

 From June 2018 to February 2022, 234 patients came to our hospital because of chest pain. After examination and definite diagnosis, we excluded people with previous cardiovascular surgery history, connective tissue disease, aortic arch variation, valve malformation, and traumatic dissection. Finally, we included 49 patients in the TBAD group and 57 in the control group. The imaging data were retrospectively analyzed by Endosize (Therevna 3.1.40) software. The aortic morphological parameters mainly include diameter, length, direct distance, and tortuosity index. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed and systolic blood pressure (SBP), aortic diameter at the left common carotid artery (D3), and length of ascending aorta (L1) were chosen to build a model. The predictive capacity of the models was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

 The diameters in the ascending aorta and aortic arch are larger in the TBAD group (33.9 ± 5.9 vs. 37.8 ± 4.9 mm, p < 0.001; 28.2 ± 3.9 vs. 31.7 ± 3.0 mm, p < 0.001). The ascending aorta was significantly longer in the TBAD group (80.3 ± 11.7 vs. 92.3 ± 10.6 mm, p < 0.001). Besides, the direct distance and tortuosity index of the ascending aorta in the TBAD group increased significantly (69.8 ± 9.0 vs. 78.7 ± 8.8 mm, p < 0.001; 1.15 ± 0.05 vs. 1.17 ± 0.06, p < 0.05). Multivariable models demonstrated that SBP, aortic diameter at the left common carotid artery (D3), and length of ascending aorta (L1) were independent predictors of TBAD occurrence. Based on the ROC analysis, area under the ROC curve of the risk prediction models was 0.831.

CONCLUSION

 Morphological characteristic including diameter of total aorta, length of ascending aorta, direct distance of ascending aorta, and tortuosity index of ascending aorta are valuable geometric risk factors. Our model shows a good performance in predicting the incidence of TBAD.

Sex differences in ascending aortic size reporting and growth on chest computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

Diameter-based guidelines for prophylactic repair of ascending aortic aneurysms have led to routine aortic evaluation in chest imaging. Despite sex differences in aneurysm outcomes, there is little understanding of sex-specific aortic growth rates. Our objective was to evaluate sex-specific temporal changes in radiologist-reported aortic size as well as sex differences in aortic reporting.

METHOD

In this cohort study, we queried radiology reports of chest computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging at an academic medical center from 1994 to 2022, excluding type A dissection. Aortic diameter was extracted using a custom text-processing algorithm. Growth rates were estimated using mixed-effects modeling with fixed terms for sex, age, and imaging modality, and patient-level random intercepts. Sex, age, and modality were evaluated as predictors of aortic reporting by logistic regression.

RESULTS

This study included 89,863 scans among 46,622 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 64 [52-73]; 22,437 women [48%]). Aortic diameter was recorded in 14% (12,722/89,863 reports). Temporal trends were analyzed in 7194 scans among 1998 patients (age, 68 [60-75]; 677 women [34%]) with ≥2 scans. Aortic growth rate was significantly higher in women (0.22 mm/year [95% confidence interval 0.17-0.28] vs. 0.09 mm/year [0.06-0.13], respectively). Aortic reporting was significantly less common in women (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.52-0.56; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

While aortic growth rates were small overall, women had over twice the growth rate of men. Aortic dimensions were much less frequently reported in women than men. Sex-specific standardized assessment of aortic measurements may be needed to address sex differences in aneurysm outcomes.

Genetic architecture of thoracic aortic dissection in the female population

BACKGROUND

Sex-related differences in cardiovascular disease are now gaining much more attention and their importance is increasingly being recognized, but little is known about the genetic distribution, genotype-phenotype correlation, and outcomes in the female population with thoracic aortic dissection (TAD).

METHODS

One hundred seventy-nine Chinese female probands with TAD were enrolled from Tongji Hospital between October 2009 and October 2020. Genetic analysis was performed among 12 genes, and participants were subsequently followed up for a median of 38.2 months for TAD-related death.

RESULTS

We identified 18 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants among 18 (10.1%) probands and 21 variants of uncertain significance in 21 (11.7%) patients. Individuals with positive variants presented with a significant risk of TAD (OR: 12.0, 95% CI: 5.87-26.8), and an association between FBN1 (p = 2.60E-11, OR = 19.8), MYLK (p = 0.006, OR = 14.0) variants and an increased risk for female TAD was identified as well. Furthermore, nearly half of the variants were found in the FBN1 gene, which was significantly linked to early aortic dissection and tended to cause death at a young age.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the monogenic contribution of known TAD genes to the female TAD population with East Asian ancestry. Patients who tested positive for FBN1 were significantly younger at the time of aortic dissection and had a higher probability of dying at an early age.

Traumatic Aortic Dissection as a Unique Clinical Entity: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and outcomes of the Stanford Type B traumatic aortic dissection (TAD) with non-traumatic aortic dissection (NTAD), and assess better management for TAD.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair for Stanford type B aortic dissection at The First Hospital of China Medical University between 2014 and 2022. The patients were divided into TAD and NTAD groups based on whether they had a history of acute trauma. This study ultimately included 65 patients with TAD and 288 with NTAD. We assessed and compared the baseline characteristics, laboratory indicators, imaging features, surgical procedures, and follow-up results between the groups.

RESULTS

The TAD group was younger compared to the NTAD group (50.00 [IQR40.00-59.00] vs. 55.00 [IQR 47.00-61.00] years, p = 0.020). A lower percentage of the TAD group had a history of hypertension (20% vs. 71.18%, p < 0.001). The length of aortic dissection was shorter in the TAD group compared to the NTAD group (30.00 [IQR 22.00-40.00] vs. 344.00 [IQR 237.25-400.00] mm, p < 0.001). All patients with TAD underwent TEVAR following the same strategy as NTAD. The mean preoperative duration was 7.00 (IQR 2.00-14.00) days in the TAD group and 11.00 (IQR 8.00-15.00) days in the NTAD group (p < 0.001). TAD showed fewer complications after TEVAR in mid-to-long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

TAD is distinct from NTAD. TAD typically presents with more localized lesions than NTAD, and the patients experience a shorter preoperative duration and a better mid-to-long-term outcome.

Early and long-term outcomes of young adult patients ≤30 years old with acute type A aortic dissection

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the early and long-term outcomes after total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation in adult patients ≤30 years with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).

METHODS

All young adult patients (≤30 years) with ATAAD who underwent TAR and FET between 2009 and 2017 were enrolled. The end points were major organ morbidity and mortality, aortic-related events and reoperation.

RESULTS

The mean age of all 83 patients was 25.9 (standard deviation, 3.3) years. The in-hospital mortality was 9.64% (8/83), and 9 (10.8%) patients required re-exploration for bleeding. The aortic-related events risk was 42.7% (32/75) and the aortic reoperation risk was 17.3% (13/75). Overall survival was 85.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 75.9-91.5%] at 5 years and 75.9% (95% CI, 63.3-84.7%) at 10 years. The cumulative incidence of aortic-related events was 35% (95% CI, 24-47%) at 5 years and 58% (95% CI, 36-75%) at 10 years; the cumulative reoperation rate was 15% (95% CI, 7.9-24%) at 5 years and 17% (95% CI, 9.2-27%) at 10 years. Marfan syndrome significantly increased the aortic-related events (P = 0.036) and reoperation (P = 0.041) risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite extensive repair in young ATAAD patients, the late aortic dilatation and reoperation risk remain high. The TAR and FET procedures achieved satisfactory early outcomes and reduced late aortic dilatation and reoperation in young patients compared with other records. Close follow-up and aggressive early reintervention are essential for patients with aortic-related risk factors early in life.

Overview of acute type A dissection in Japan

Acute type A aortic dissection is a relatively uncommon but devastating disease and usually requires emergency surgery. Based on the several database projects, a large amount of perioperative patient data has now been accumulated and is expected to be useful in clinical practice. Especially in Japan, the number of surgeries for acute type A aortic dissection has been gradually increasing recently, and the overall mortality rate has stabilized at less than 10%. One of the keys to further improvement in outcomes will be to improve the results of aortic root replacement. In addition, strategies need to be established for very elderly patients, comatose patients, and patients with malperfusion as preoperative conditions. The use of a relatively new device, the frozen elephant trunk, is also increasing and might be changing the surgical outcome. In this report, we describe the current status of acute type A aortic dissection in Japan, with reference to recent guidelines and literature.

Age-related difference in acute type B aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to compare the characteristics of clinical data, imaging data, and treatment methods of young and old patients with acute type B aortic dissection (ABAD).

METHODS

ABAD patients admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, such as gender, age, diabetes, hypertension, presenting symptoms, imaging characteristics, laboratory data on admission, hemodynamics on admission and in-hospital management, and mortality of different age groups were compared and analyzed. Categorical variables were compared using χ2 tests or Fisher's exact test. Continuous variables were compared using Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

A total of 141 ABAD patients were included in this study. Old ABAD patients were more likely to have a prior history of hypertension (88.6% vs 70.4%, p = 0.037) and atherosclerosis (29.8% vs 7.4%, p = 0.016). In the young group, Marfan syndrome was significantly higher (14.8% vs 0.9%; p = 0.005). Compared with the old group, the number of distal tears in the young group was significantly higher (62.3% vs 39.5%, p = 0.027). The proportion of patients with malperfusion of lower limbs in the young group was significantly higher than that in the old group (22.2% vs 6.1%, p = 0.026). There was no significant difference in the treatment methods and in-hospital mortality between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with old ABAD patients, young ABAD patients had more distal tears and a higher proportion of lower limbs malperfusion.

Predictors of Return to Work After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Patients With Type B Aortic Dissection

OBJECTIVE

Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a life-threatening condition, and it takes heavy burden to family and society. Return to work (RTW) not only means patients' physical health but also demonstrates their mental well-being. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been successful in treatment of TBAD patients. However, less studies have addressed on the social functional recovery of TBAD after TEVAR, especially for RTW.

METHODS

From January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2021, TBAD patients who underwent TEVAR and completed a 12-month follow-up were retrospectively enrolled. Primary outcome was RTW. Patients' demographic, sociological, and clinical characteristics, and so on were recorded to analyze and demonstrate independent risk factors for RTW.

RESULTS

Four hundred thirty-two TBAD patients (388 males) were enrolled with a mean age of 48.3±8.9 years (ranged from 19 to 60 years). The 12-month cumulative RTW rate was 62.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.2%-67.8%). Age <50 years (odds ratio [OR]=3.675, 95% CI: 1.436-9.405) was identified as independent protective factors for RTW, while preoperative job as manual workers (OR=0.101, 95% CI: 0.029-0.353), average annual income, <30 000 Chinese Yuan (CNY) [<4400 US dollar], (OR=0.186, 95% CI: 0.054-0.637), complicated TBAD (malperfusion) (OR=0.246, 95% CI: 0.092-0.659), and distal stent graft-induced new entry (SINE) (OR=0.218, 95% CI: 0.083-0.575, p=0.002) were identified as independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 64% of our patients were able to RTW in the 12 months post-TEVAR for TBAD. Younger patients, patients with less physically demanding jobs, and patients with less complex surgeries were more likely to RTW. Based on these results, more can be done to facilitate the patient's ability and willingness to RTW after TEVAR.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is a life-threatening condition that poses significant burden on both individuals and society. The ability to return to work (RTW) not only reflects the patient's physical health but also indicates their mental well-being. Therefore, identifying risk factors for RTW and promoting the reintegration of TBAD patients into the workforce is crucial in clinical practice.To our knowledge, this study is the first to elucidate and predict the RTW outcomes of TBAD patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Anzhen Risk Evaluation System for Acute Aortic Syndrome (AZSCORE-AAS): protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study in northern China

INTRODUCTION

Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a group of acute and critical conditions, including acute aortic dissection (AAD), acute intramural haematoma and penetrating aortic ulcer. High mortality and morbidity rates result in a poor patient prognosis. Prompt diagnoses and timely interventions are paramount for saving patients' lives. In recent years, risk models for AAD have been established worldwide; however, a risk evaluation system for AAS is still lacking in China. Therefore, this study aims to develop an early warning and risk scoring system in combination with the novel potential biomarker soluble ST2 (sST2) for AAS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This multicentre, prospective, observational study will recruit patients diagnosed with AAS at three tertiary referral centres from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2023. We will analyse the discrepancies in sST2 levels in patients with different AAS types and explore the accuracy of sST2 in distinguishing between them. We will also incorporate potential risk factors and sST2 into a logistic regression model to establish a logistic risk scoring system for predicting postoperative death and prolonged intensive care unit stay in patients with AAS.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry website (http://www. chictr. org. cn/). Ethical approval was obtained from the human research ethics committees of Beijing Anzhen Hospital (KS2019016). The ethics review board of each participating hospital agreed to participate. The final risk prediction model will be published in an appropriate journal and disseminated as a mobile application for clinical use. Approval and anonymised data will be shared.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR1900027763.

High preoperative bradykinin level is a risk factor for severe postoperative hypoxaemia in acute aortic dissection surgery

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Hypoxaemia can lead to increased postoperative mortality in patients: what are the independent risk factors for severe hypoxaemia after acute Stanford type A aortic dissection? What is the main finding and its importance? Severe postoperative hypoxaemia was found in 36.4% of patients, and it was determined that high preoperative bradykinin levels and increased BMI were independent predictors of severe postoperative hypoxaemia in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. For obese patients with high preoperative bradykinin levels, more attention should be paid to preventing severe postoperative hypoxaemia.

ABSTRACT

Severe hypoxaemia after cardiac surgery is associated with serious complications and a high risk of mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the independent risk factors of severe postoperative hypoxaemia in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. We collected 77 patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection who underwent surgical treatment. The primary outcome was severe postoperative hypoxaemia (PaO2 /FiO2  ≤ 100 mmHg), and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent predictors of risk for this. A mixed-effects analysis of variance model and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were generated to evaluate the predictive probabilities of risk factors for severe postoperative hypoxaemia. A total of 36.4% of patients developed severe postoperative hypoxaemia. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified high preoperative bradykinin level (odds ratio (OR) = 55.918, P < 0.001) and increased body mass index (BMI; OR = 1.292, P = 0.032) as independent predictors of severe postoperative hypoxaemia in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. The mixed-effect analysis of variance model and ROC curve indicated that high preoperative bradykinin level and BMI were significant predictors of severe postoperative hypoxaemia (area under the ROC curve = 0.834 and 0.764, respectively). High preoperative bradykinin levels and obesity were independent risk factors for severe postoperative hypoxaemia in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. For obese patients with high levels of bradykinin before surgery, clinicians should actively take measures to block bradykinin-mediated inflammatory reactions.

Seasonal and daily variations in the occurence and outcomes of acute Stanford type A dissections: a retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the seasonal, monthly, and daily distributions of the incidence of Stanford type-A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) and identify seasonality in the duration of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality of TAAAD in south-eastern China.

METHODS

We enrolled patients diagnosed with TAAAD between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2021. Participants were divided into seasonal, monthly, and daily groups according to the need for analysis. Analysis of variance was applied to compare the number of TAAAD in different seasons, months, and days. χ² test was used to compare in-hospital mortality among the four groups. Non-parametric methods were used for all comparisons of the duration of hospital stay. Univariate logistic and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Of the 485 patients, 154 were diagnosed in winter (31.8%), 115 in spring (23.7%), 73 in summer (15.1%), and 143 in autumn (29.5%). The daily, monthly, and seasonal distributions of TAAAD were significantly different (P = 0.04, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). This study did not identify any significant decrease in maximal, mean, or minimum temperatures between the three days before TAAAD and the day of TAAAD. No seasonal variations associated with in-hospital mortality was observed (P = 0.89). However, significant differences were observed in the seasonal distribution of the duration of hospital stay for TAAAD [winter was 17.0 (4.0-24.0) days, spring was 20.0 (14.0-29.0) days, summer was 20.0 (12.5-31.0) days, and autumn was 20.0 (13.0-30.0) days, P < 0.01]. Multiple factor analysis showed that winter was the independent risk factor for the increased duration of hospital stay. The odds ratio for winter was 2.21 (1.46, 3.33, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed that the incidence of TAAAD exhibits seasonal, monthly, and daily variations in south-eastern China. Moreover, the daily incidence of TAAAD is higher on weekdays than that on weekends.

Type A Aortic Dissection Repair in Patients With Prior Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

Emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection in patients with previous cardiac surgery is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the association between previous cardiac surgery and outcomes after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection, to appreciate whether emergency surgery can be offered with acceptable risks.

METHODS

All patients operated on for acute type A aortic dissection between 2005 and 2014 from the Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection database were eligible. Patients with previous cardiac surgery were compared with patients without previous cardiac surgery. Univariable and multivariable statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of 30-day mortality and early major adverse events (a secondary composite endpoint comprising 30-day mortality, perioperative stroke, postoperative cardiac arrest, or de novo dialysis).

RESULTS

In all, 1159 patients were included, 40 (3.5%) with previous cardiac surgery. Patients with previous cardiac surgery had higher 30-day mortality (30% vs 17.8%, P = .049), worse medium-term survival (51.7% vs 71.2% at 5 years, log rank P = .020), and higher unadjusted prevalence of major adverse events (52.5% vs 35.7%, P = .030). In multivariable analysis, previous cardiac surgery was not associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio 0.78; 95% CI, 0.30-2.07; P = .624) or major adverse events (odds ratio 1.07; 95% CI, 0.45-2.55, P = .879).

CONCLUSIONS

Major adverse events after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection were more frequent in patients with previous cardiac surgery. Previous cardiac surgery itself was not an independent predictor for adverse events, although the small sample size precludes definite conclusions. Previous cardiac surgery should not deter from emergency surgery.

The relationship between quality of life and health promotion behavior in patients with type B aortic dissection: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

To understand the current situation of health promotion behavior and quality of life among aortic dissection survivors and the correlation between them.

METHODS

Sociodemographic characteristics were collected. T-test and variance analysis were applied for univariate analysis. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36 Questionnaire, and health-promoting behaviors were measured using the aortic dissection health promotion behavior questionnaire. The association between type B aortic dissection survivors' health promotion behavior and health status questionnaire (SF-36) scores was determined through Pearson's correlation coefficients. This association was analyzed through multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 131 type B aortic dissection survivors were evaluated through the self-developed aortic dissection patient health promotion behavior scale and health status questionnaire (SF-36). Results showed that the health promotion behavior of Stanford B aortic dissection survivors (85.05 ± 11.28) correlated with their Mental Component Summary (MCS) (55.23 ± 30.72; r = 0.359, P < 0.01). The model showed 39.00% variance shared between behavior motivation and MCS (R² = 0.390, F = 13.189, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Type B aortic dissection survivors in Zunyi, China had a lower quality of life. Medical staff can formulate intervention measures from behavioral motivation to improve the quality of life of aortic dissection survivors.

Surgical outcomes of total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique in type A aortic dissection: insights from single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique plays an important role in treating acute type A aortic dissection in China. We aim to summarize the therapeutic effects of this procedure in our center over a 17-year period.

METHODS

Consecutive patients treated at our hospital due to type A aortic dissection from January 2004 to January 2021 were studied. Relevant data of these patients undergoing total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 589 patients were included with a mean age of 53.1 ± 12.2 years. The mean of cardiopulmonary bypass, cross-clamping, and selected cerebral perfusion time were 199.6 ± 41.9, 119.0 ± 27.2, and 25.1 ± 5.0 min, respectively. In-hospital death occurred in 46 patients. Multivariate analysis identified four significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality: preexisting renal hypoperfusion (OR 5.43; 95% CI 1.31 - 22.44; P = 0.020), cerebral malperfusion (OR 11.87; 95% CI 4.13 - 34.12; P < 0.001), visceral malperfusion (OR 4.27; 95% CI 1.01 - 18.14; P = 0.049), and cross-clamp time ≥ 130 min (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.72 - 6.19; P < 0.001). The 5, 10, and 15 years survival rates were 86.4%, 82.6%, and 70.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Total arch replacement with modified elephant trunk technique is an effective treatment for acute type A aortic dissection with satisfactory perioperative results. Patients with preexisting renal hypoperfusion, cerebral malperfusion, visceral malperfusion, and long cross-clamp time are at a higher risk of in-hospital death.

Changes in the gut microbiome of patients with type a aortic dissection

Objective

To investigate the characteristic changes in the gut microbiota of patients with type A aortic dissection (AAD) and provide a theoretical basis for future microbiome-oriented interventional studies.

Methods

High-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing was performed on the stool samples of patients with and without (healthy control subjects) AAD. Using alpha and beta diversity analysis, we compared the gut microbiota composition of 20 patients with AAD and 20 healthy controls matched for gender, age, BMI, and geographical region. The accuracy of AAD prediction by differential microbiome was calculated using the random forest machine learning model. Targeted measurement of the plasma concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are the main metabolites of the gut microbiome, was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationships of gut microbiome and SCFAs with the clinical characteristics of subjects.

Results

The differences in gut microbiota alpha diversity between patients with AAD and the healthy controls were not statistically significant (Shannon index: p = 0.19; Chao1: p = 0.4); however, the microbiota composition (beta diversity) was significantly different between the two groups (Anosim, p = 0.001). Bacteroidota was enriched at the phylum level, and the SCFA-producing genera Prevotella, Porphyromonas, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcus and inflammation-related genera Fenollaria and Sutterella were enriched at the genus level in the AAD group compared with those in the control group. The random forest model could predict AAD from gut microbiota composition with an accuracy of 87.5% and the area-under-curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.833. The SCFA content of patients with AAD was higher than that of the control group, with the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.05). The different microflora and SCFAs were positively correlated with inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the presence of significant differences in the gut microbiome of patients with AAD and healthy controls. The differential microbiome exhibited high predictive potential toward AAD and was positively correlated with inflammatory cytokines. Our results will assist in the development of preventive and therapeutic treatment methods for patients with AAD.

Current Surgical Management of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in China: A Multicenter Registry Study

Background

Many countries and regions have established multicenter registration studies to improve the outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).

Objectives

The aims of this study were to report actual preoperative management, surgery type, and early outcomes of surgical treatment for ATAAD in China.

Methods

This cohort study uses data from the China Registry of Type A Aortic Dissection, a national clinical registry to investigate management of patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection. The data, including surgical management and outcomes of patients with ATAAD, were analyzed from January 2018 to December 2021.

Results

A total of 1,058 patients with ATAAD were enrolled in this study between January 2018 and December 2021. The mean age of all patients was 51.6 ±11.7 years. The median interval from onset to hospital was 10.65 hours (IQR: 6-24 hours), and the median interval from entering the emergency room to starting operation was 13 hours (IQR: 4.08-28.7 hours). Total arch repair was performed in 938 patients (88.7%), and frozen elephant trunk repair was performed in 800 patients (75.6%). The incidence of early mortality was 7.6%.

Conclusions

The population of patients with ATAAD in China experienced a longer interval from onset to arrival at the hospital, received more extensive aortic arch repair, and showed a relatively lower early mortality. These findings suggest that there may be a huge survivor bias in patients with ATAAD in China, more efforts should be made to promote prehospital emergency care and preoperative management of Chinese ATAAD patients. (A multicenter registration study of aortic dissection in China; ChiCTR1800015338).

Association of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Size With Long-term Patient Outcomes: The KP-TAA Study

Importance

The risk of adverse events from ascending thoracic aorta aneurysm (TAA) is poorly understood but drives clinical decision-making.

Objective

To evaluate the association of TAA size with outcomes in nonsyndromic patients in a large non-referral-based health care delivery system.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Kaiser Permanente Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (KP-TAA) cohort study was a retrospective cohort study at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a fully integrated health care delivery system insuring and providing care for more than 4.5 million persons. Nonsyndromic patients from a regional TAA safety net tracking system were included. Imaging data including maximum TAA size were merged with electronic health record (EHR) and comprehensive death data to obtain demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medications, laboratory values, vital signs, and subsequent outcomes. Unadjusted rates were calculated and the association of TAA size with outcomes was evaluated in multivariable competing risk models that categorized TAA size as a baseline and time-updated variable and accounted for potential confounders. Data were analyzed from January 2018 to August 2021.

Exposures

TAA size.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Aortic dissection (AD), all-cause death, and elective aortic surgery.

Results

Of 6372 patients with TAA identified between 2000 and 2016 (mean [SD] age, 68.6 [13.0] years; 2050 female individuals [32.2%] and 4322 male individuals [67.8%]), mean (SD) initial TAA size was 4.4 (0.5) cm (828 individuals [13.0% of cohort] had initial TAA size 5.0 cm or larger and 280 [4.4%] 5.5 cm or larger). Rates of AD were low across a mean (SD) 3.7 (2.5) years of follow-up (44 individuals [0.7% of cohort]; incidence 0.22 events per 100 person-years). Larger initial aortic size was associated with higher risk of AD and all-cause death in multivariable models, with an inflection point in risk at 6.0 cm. Estimated adjusted risks of AD within 5 years were 0.3% (95% CI, 0.3-0.7), 0.6% (95% CI, 0.4-1.3), 1.5% (95% CI, 1.2-3.9), 3.6% (95% CI, 1.8-12.8), and 10.5% (95% CI, 2.7-44.3) in patients with TAA size of 4.0 to 4.4 cm, 4.5 to 4.9 cm, 5.0 to 5.4 cm, 5.5 to 5.9 cm, and 6.0 cm or larger, respectively, in time-updated models. Rates of the composite outcome of AD and all-cause death were higher than for AD alone, but a similar inflection point for increased risk was observed at 6.0 cm.

Conclusions and Relevance

In a large sociodemographically diverse cohort of patients with TAA, absolute risk of aortic dissection was low but increased with larger aortic sizes after adjustment for potential confounders and competing risks. Our data support current consensus guidelines recommending prophylactic surgery in nonsyndromic individuals with TAA at a 5.5-cm threshold.

Comparison of two techniques in proximal anastomosis in acute type A aortic dissection

Background

The proximal anastomosis is an important procedure during the acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) surgery. The conventional method is a double patch sandwich technique with Teflon felt. Adventitial eversion and prosthesis eversion technique as a novel approach has been applied to many patients in our center. Herein, This technique would be introduced, and the perioperative and 1-year follow-up results of the two different anastomosis methods were also evaluated.

Methods

Between December 2017 and May 2021, 143 AAAD patients who underwent total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the eversion technique group (adventitial eversion and prosthesis eversion technique for proximal anastomosis, n = 64) and the sandwich technique group (n = 79).

Results

The medical records were analyzed and compared between the groups. The mean operation time was 466 ± 73 min in the eversion technique group and 513 ± 81 min in the sandwich technique group (P < 0.001). Compared with the sandwich technique group, the eversion technique group also showed a shorter time on proximal anastomosis (38 ± 12 min vs. 58 ± 20 min, P < 0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass (195 ± 26 vs. 211 ± 40 min, P = 0.003), and aortic cross-clamp (120 ± 23 min vs. 134 ± 27 min, P = 0.002). Furthermore, a decreased proportion of >600 ml fresh frozen plasmas transfusion was observed in eversion technique group (10.9% vs. 34.2%, P = 0.002). No statistical differences were found in the postoperative morbidities and 1-year follow-up outcomes.

Conclusion

Proximal anastomosis with adventitial eversion and prosthesis eversion technique is a promising surgical option for AAAD patients, with favorable perioperative and 1-year follow-up results.

The characteristics of thoracic aortic dissection in autopsy-diagnosed individuals: An autopsy study

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death associated with aortic diseases. The age of TAD victims in forensic studies is significantly younger than hospitalized patients with TAD, while only a few studies have been conducted on autopsy-diagnosed TAD deceased. A retrospective study was conducted at the Medicolegal Center of Sun Yat-sen University from 1999 to 2019 to address the characteristics of TAD victims. A total of 200 deceased from spontaneous rupture of TAD were assessed, with 165 (82.5%) males and 175 (87.5%) Stanford type A deceased. Our main results showed that compared with patients with TAD diagnosed during their lifetime, individuals diagnosed with TAD until an autopsy showed an earlier onset (43.80 years old) and less accompanied hypertension (<50%). Sudden death was the initial symptom of 32 decedents. Instead of chest/back pain (40 decedents), abdominal pain (59 decedents) was the most common initial symptom, and 42 decedents presented with no accompanying pain. A higher proportion of abdominal pain and the painless symptom was associated with a higher risk of misdiagnosis. Women showed a more atypical clinical presentation and rapid progression than men. Younger decedents showed more pronounced left heart changes. The present study implicated the TAD individuals diagnosed until an autopsy as a particular entity, indicating the urgent need for further investigation on early diagnosis and pathogenesis of patients with TAD with atypical pain and painless or with younger age to reduce the burden of TAD-related sudden death.

Outcomes of surgical treatment on type A acute aortic dissection accompanied with coronary artery involvement

Background

Coronary artery (CA) involvement due to acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a catastrophic cardiovascular disease with high mortality. Two main surgery strategies, local coronary repair and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be applied to reestablish the blood flow in the aortic repair. This study was to evaluate the operative and long-term outcomes of type A AAD patients, who received aortic dissection repair plus CABG or local coronary repair.

Method

We reviewed our database and screened 148 type A AAD patients with CA involvement from January 2001 to December 2021. Local coronary repair or CABG was performed concomitantly on these enrolled patients.

Results

At the time of aortic repair, there were 58 patients with concomitant CABG (Group I) and 90 patients with local coronary repair (Group II). The basal characteristics of these two groups had no difference, except for acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and CA involvement type. 45 patients with AMI in Group I, but none in Group II (P < 0.001). There was a higher frequency of type B and C lesions of CA involvement in Group I than that in Group II (P < 0.001). There was no difference in surgical procedures and complications, except for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) (34.5% vs. 8.9%, P < 0.001). Hospital mortality in Group I was higher than that in Group II, but without statistical difference (20.7% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.155). No significant difference was obtained in long-term survival rate between the two groups (82.5 ± 4.8% vs. 81.2 ± 6.9%, P = 0.19).

Conclusion

CABG and local coronary repair suits different types of CA involvement, and their effects on perioperative results and long-term survival for type A AAD patients with CA involvement are equal.

Post-operative uric acid: a predictor for 30-days mortality of acute type A aortic dissection repair

Background

Hyperuricemia is associated with aortic dissection and cardiovascular diseases. The implication of high serum uric acid (UA) level after acute aortic dissection repair remains unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the role of peri-operative serum UA level in predicting 30-days mortality with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients, who underwent surgery.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 209 consecutive patients with AAAD, who underwent surgery in Xiangya Hospital from 2017 to 2020. Post-operative laboratory examinations were measured within 24 h after surgery. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used for predictor finding.

Results

209 consecutive AAAD patients were included, 14.3% (n = 30) were dead within 30 days after surgery. By univariate analysis, we found AAAD repair patients with 30-days mortality had a higher prevalence of cerebral malperfusion, lower pre-operative fibrinogen, longer cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamp time, and higher post-operative day 1 (POD1) creatinine and urea levels. Both pre-operative (433.80 ± 152.59 vs. 373.46 ± 108.31 mmol/L, p = 0.038) and POD1 (559.78 ± 162.23 vs. 391.29 ± 145.19 mmol/L, p < 0.001) UA level were higher in mortality group than in survival group. In regression model, only cerebral malperfusion (OR, 7.938, 95% CI 1.252–50.323; p = 0.028) and POD1 UA level (OR, 2.562; 95% CI 1.635–4.014; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients. According to the ROC curve, the POD1 UA level provided positive value for 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients with 0.799 areas under the curve. The optimum cutoff value selected by ROC curve was 500.15 mmol/L, with a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 86%.

Conclusion

Pre- and post-operative hyperuricemia are potentially associated with worsened outcomes in AAAD surgery patients. The POD1 UA level has a predictive role in 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients.

Comparison of imaging characteristics for mortality risk analysis between young and older acute aortic dissection patients

BACKGROUND

There are differences between young and older patients diagnosed with acute aortic dissection. We aimed to explore the differences in echocardiographic and computed tomography angiography (CTA) characteristics between the young and the older patients diagnosed with acute aortic dissection.

METHODS

The data from 1220 patients with aortic dissection were collected. They were divided into the young and the older groups with the age threshold set at 45 years old. The basic information and imaging data were collected and compared between the two groups. Univariate regression was used to find the risk factors for mortality in each group.

RESULTS

Echocardiographic results showed the proportion of left ventricular enlargement (young vs older, 39.9% vs 26.9%, p-value <.001) and left ventricular dysfunction (22.3% vs 14.1%, p-value ​​smaller than .001) in the young group was significantly higher. Although there is no statistically significant difference in mortality within 60 days after admission (12.0% vs 15.1%, p-value equals to .164), the involvements of aortic branches were the risk factor for the mortality in the young group. For the older patients, the left ventricular remodeling detected by echocardiography (left atrial enlargement, ascending aortic dilation, aortic regurgitation) and decreased heart function were the risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality of the young and the older groups with acute aortic dissection are comparable. The involvements of aortic branches were the mortality risk factors in the young patients while the structural and functional change of the left ventricle detected by echocardiography was the mortality risk factor for the older patients.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Smooth Muscle Cells Heterogeneity in Experimental Aortic Dissection

Purpose: This study aims to illustrate the cellular landscape in the aorta of experimental aortic dissection (AD) and elaborate on the smooth muscle cells (SMCs) heterogeneity and functions among various cell types.

Methods: Male Apolipoprotein deficient (ApoE−/−) mice at 28 weeks of age were infused with Ang II (2,500 ng/kg/min) to induce AD. Aortas from euthanized mice were harvested after 7 days for 10×Genomics single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), followed by the identification of cell types and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was conducted.

Results: AD was successfully induced in ApoE−/− mice. scRNA-seq identified 15 cell clusters and nine cell types, including non-immune cells (endothelials, fibroblasts, and SMCs) and immune cells (B cells, natural killer T cell, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and mast cells). The relative numbers of SMCs were remarkably changed, and seven core DEGs (ACTA2,IL6,CTGF,BGN,ITGA8,THBS1, and CDH5) were identified in SMCs. Moreover, we found SMCs can differentiate into 8 different subtypes through single-cell trajectory analysis.

Conclusion: scRNA-seq technology can successfully identify unique cell composition in experimental AD. To our knowledge, this is the first study that provided the complete cellular landscape in AD tissues from mice, seven core DEGs and eight subtypes of SMCs were identified, and the SMCs have evolution from matrix type to inflammatory type.

Cerebral infarction and risk factors in acute type A aortic dissection with arch branch extension

OBJECTIVE

Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) may affect the supra-aortic arteries, which are associated with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA). This study aimed to investigate cerebral perfusion, the infarction incidence and risk factors in AAD patients.

METHODS

A total of 156 consecutive AAD patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to whether the aortic arch branches were involved: the affected group (n = 90) and the unaffected group (n = 66). Clinical, echocardiographic/carotid Doppler data and cerebral infarction morbidity were compared between the groups. Independent predictors of 30-day AAD mortality were identified through multivariable Cox regression, and perioperative risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 57.7% of AAD patients had aortic arch branch involvement. Abnormal Doppler waveforms were more common in the affected group (p < 0.05). Regarding intracranial perfusion, the blood flow volumes (BFVs) of the bilateral internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and right vertebral artery (RVA) in the affected group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The incidence of cerebral infarction in the affected group was significantly higher than that in the unaffected group (35.6% vs. 19.7%, p = 0.031). Multivariable analysis revealed that age >45 years old, right internal carotid artery (RICA) involvement and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were significant predictors of perioperative death.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic arch branch involvement is common in patients with AAD and is associated with reduced cerebral blood flow (especially on the right side) and a higher incidence of cerebral infarction. Age, extension of the RICA dissection and LVEF impairment are independent risk factors for AAD-related death.

Early outcomes of Sun's procedure in elderly patients with acute aortic dissection: a single-center retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The effect of patient age on the outcome of Sun's procedure for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains controversial. We retrospectively investigated the early outcomes of Sun's procedure in elderly patients with ATAAD in our single center.

METHODS

This study involved 106 patients who underwent Sun's procedure. The patients were divided into the elderly group (≥70 years, n = 17) and younger group (<70 years). Baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The mean age in the elderly and younger groups was 75.7 and 50.7 years, respectively. The type of aortic root operations were not significantly different between the groups. Concomitant surgeries were more frequently performed in the elderly group, but without statistical significance. All intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass variables as well as the in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were similar between the groups. The incidences of most postoperative complications were also similar except for a higher incidence of sepsis in the elderly group.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency performance of Sun's procedure for patients with ATAAD characterized by dissection and/or entry tear in the aortic arch should not be denied on the basis of advanced age alone. Comparable early in-hospital outcomes can be achieved in elderly patients.

Blood Transfusion Predicts Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection Undergoing Total Aortic Arch Replacement

Background

This research aimed to evaluate the impacts of transfusing packed red blood cells (pRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), or platelet concentrate (PC) on postoperative mechanical ventilation time (MVT) in patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) undergoing after total arch replacement (TAR).

Methods

The clinical data of 384 patients with ATAAD after TAR were retrospectively collected from December 2015 to October 2017 to verify whether pRBCs, FFP, or PC transfusion volumes were associated with postoperative MVT. The logistic regression was used to assess whether blood products were risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in all three endpoints (PMV ≥24 h, ≥48 h, and ≥72 h).

Results

The mean age of 384 patients was 47.6 ± 10.689 years, and 301 (78.39%) patients were men. Median MVT was 29.5 (4–574) h (h), and 213 (55.47%), 136 (35.42%), and 96 (25.00%) patients had PMV ≥24 h, ≥48 h, and ≥72 h, respectively. A total of 36 (9.38%) patients did not have any blood product transfusion, the number of patients with transfusion of pRBCs, FFP, and PC were 334 (86.98%), 286 (74.48%), and 189 (49.22%), respectively. According to the multivariate logistic regression of three PMV time-endpoints, age was a risk factor [PMV ≥ 24 h odds ratio (ORPMV≥24) = 1.045, p = 0.005; ORPMV≥48 = 1.060, p = 0.002; ORPMV≥72 = 1.051, p = 0.011]. pRBC transfusion (ORPMV≥24 = 1.156, p = 0.001; ORPMV≥48 = 1.156, p &lt; 0.001; ORPMV≥72 = 1.135, p ≤ 0.001) and PC transfusion (ORPMV≥24 = 1.366, p = 0.029; ORPMV≥48 = 1.226, p = 0.030; ORPMV≥72 = 1.229, p = 0.011) were independent risk factors for PMV. FFP had no noticeable effect on PMV [ORPMV≥48 = 0.999, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.998–1.000, p = 0.039; ORPMV≥72 = 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998–1.000, p = 0.025].

Conclusions

In patients with ATAAD after TAR, the incidence of PMV was very high. Blood products transfusion was closely related to postoperative mechanical ventilation time. pRBC and PC transfusions and age increased the incidence of PMV at all three endpoints.

The impact of age in acute type A aortic dissection: a retrospective study

Background

Acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD) is a lethal disease and age is an important risk factor for outcomes. This retrospective study was to analyze the impact of age stratification in aTAAD, and to provide clues for surgeons when they make choices of therapy strategies.

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2019, 1092 aTAAD patients from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital received surgical therapy. Patients were divided into 7 groups according to every ten-year interval (20–80 s). The differences between the groups were analyzed in terms of the baseline preoperative conditions, surgical methods and postoperative outcomes of patients of different age groups. During a median follow-up term of 17 months, the survival rates were compared among 7 groups through Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

The median age was 52.0 years old in whole cohort. The multiple comorbidities were more common in old age groups (60 s, 70 s, 80 s), while the 20 s group patients had the highest proportion of Marfan syndrome (28.1%). Preoperative hypotension was highest in 80 s (16.7%, P = 0.038). Young age groups (20–60 s) had a higher rate of root replacement and total arch replacement, which led to a longer duration of operation and hypothermic circulation arrest. The overall mortality was 14.1%, the tendency of mortality was increased with age except 20 s group (33.3% in 80 s, P = 0.016). The postoperative morbidity of gastrointestinal bleeding and bowel ischemia were 16.7% and 11.1% in 80 s group.

Conclusions

Age is a major impact factor for aTAAD surgery. Old patients presented more comorbidities before surgery, the mortality and complications rate were significantly higher even with less invasive and conservative surgical therapy. But the favorable long-term survival indicated that the simple or less extensive arch repair is the preferred surgery for patients over 70 years old.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-022-01785-y.

“More or less”: management of type A aortic dissections in the endovascular era

The management of type A aortic dissection presents a major therapeutic challenge in modern surgical practice. Whilst the traditional dictum, to provide timely surgical intervention with the minimum treatment needed to repair the ascending aorta as well as the primary tear, may be a reasonable strategy in older patients, a tailored approach is desired for younger patients to manage the immediate life-threatening condition, as well as for the management of lifelong complications of the residual dissected aorta. Endovascular technology continues to advance, providing an adjunctive role to open cardiac repair presently to manage downstream aortic pathology, with the aim of striving towards a complete endovascular solution for type A aortic dissections.

Midterm Outcomes of One-Stage Hybrid Aortic Arch Repair for Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection: A Single Center's Experience

This study sought to identify the midterm outcomes of one-stage hybrid aortic arch repair (HAAR) in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD). Between January 2010 and December 2015, 75 consecutive patients with TAAD involving the aortic arch who underwent one-stage type Ⅱ HAAR at our institution were identified. During this period, 496 consecutive patients with TAAD underwent traditional total aortic arch replacement (TAR) with frozen elephant trunk. The preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data of all patients were compared. A propensity score-matching analysis was applied to adjust for baseline risk factors. 571 patients were included for analysis (428 men; mean age, 48.9±11.1 years). For all patients, the mean follow-up time was 41.1±22.1 months, in-hospital mortality was 4.7% and the 5-year survival rate was 89.5%. Midterm outcomes between the propensity-matched groups were compared (59 HAAR vs TAR pairs). HAAR group showed shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (105-159 min vs 158-230 min, p < 0.001), aortic cross-clamping time, postoperative ventilation time and intensive care unit stays (33-108 h vs 45-131 h, p = 0.010) than the TAR group. There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality, rate of stroke and rate of paraplegia between the two groups, however, better 5-year survival rate was found in HAAR group (94.9% vs 75.8%, Log-rank p = 0.005). As compared to propensity matched cohort of TAR patients, HAAR shows good midterm outcomes for patients with TAAD. Further randomized study was needed to clarify the optimal management strategy of TAAD.

A Novel Sutureless Integrated Stented (SIS) Graft Prosthesis for Type A Aortic Dissection: A Pilot Study for a Prospective, Multicenter Clinical Trial

Aims

Various kinds of surgical strategies and prostheses have been advocated to improve short-term and long-term outcomes in type A aortic dissection (TAAD). Large-scale repair of the pathological aorta is hard to generalize due to complex procedures. We aimed to investigate the performance, effectiveness and safety of a novel Sutureless Integrated Stented (SIS) graft prosthesis in TAAD patients undergoing total arch replacement (TAR) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation surgery.

Methods

All patients admitted to Fuwai Hospital were prospectively screened. Urgent or scheduled surgery was arranged for eligible patients. The primary endpoint was operative mortality. Key secondary endpoints included stroke, spinal cord injury, unexpected aortic reoperation, and 1-year survival. Discharged patients were followed up with computed tomography angiography and transthoracic echocardiography at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Performance, effectiveness and safety analyses were performed in those patients.

Results

Between August 1 and September 3, 2020, ten TAAD patients were enrolled in this study and successfully implanted with the SIS graft prosthesis. The median (IQR) age was 56.50 (43.75, 66.75) years (range from 31 to 75), and seven patients were male (70.0%). All patients underwent ascending aorta replacement + TAR + FET and additional procedures when necessary. The median (IQR) operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time and cross clamp time were 270.50 (218.50, 312.50), 110.00 (88.00, 125.75), 69.50 (51.25, 82.75) min, respectively. Of note, the median (IQR) circulatory arrest time was 9.00 (8.00, 9.00) min (range from 4 to 12). The median (IQR) lowest nasopharyngeal temperature was 26.75 (25.98, 27.67) °C. Follow-up was 100% completed. During the 1-year follow-up, no patients died, no severe adverse events occurred, and rate of freedom from aortic reintervention was 100%.

Conclusions

The SIS graft prosthesis was implanted in a novel sutureless way, which simplified the surgical procedure, shortened the circulatory arrest time and avoided deep hypothermia. The preliminary clinical outcomes and follow-up outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of this prosthesis. A large-scale trial is being conducted to further assess these findings.

Comparison of Outcomes and Complications Among Patients with Different Indications of Acute/Subacute Complicated Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection Treated by TEVAR: Data from the JaPanese REtrospective multicenter stuDy of ThoracIc Endovascular Aortic Repair for Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection (J-Predictive Study)

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationships between indications for thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute/subacute complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection and clinical outcomes, and complications specific to thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The J-predictive study retrospectively collected data of patients treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair for complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection at 20 institutions from January 2012 to March 2017. From the database, those treated for acute/subacute complicated Stanford type B aortic dissection were extracted (n = 118; 96 men; average age, 66.1 years; standard deviation, ± 13) and classified into groups 1, 2, and 3 according to thoracic endovascular aortic repair indications (rupture, superior mesenteric artery malperfusion, and renal or lower extremity malperfusion, respectively). Primary and secondary measures were mortality (overall and aortic-related) and complications related to thoracic endovascular aortic repair, respectively. For each outcome, the risks of being in groups 1 and 2 were statistically compared with that of being in group 3 as a control using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Mortality rate (odds ratio, 5.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-20.53) and prevalence of paraparesis/paraplegia (odds ratio, 30.46; confidence interval, 1.71-541.77) were higher in group 1 than in group 3. Compared to group 3, group 2 showed no statistically significant differences in mortality or complications related to thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Rupture as an indication for thoracic endovascular aortic repair for type B aortic dissection was more likely to result in worse mortality and high prevalence of spinal cord ischemia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4, Case series.

Higher Plasma Aldosterone Concentrations Are Associated With Elevated Risk of Aortic Dissection and Aneurysm: a Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Animal models demonstrate circulating aldosterone leads to aortic dissection and aneurysm, whereas data from humans are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to examine the associations of plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC) with aortic dissection and aneurysm.

METHODS

We identified patients with aortic dissection and aneurysm with assessed PAC before disease onset from hospital-based electronic database and set as case group. Simultaneously, age and gender-matched cohort with PAC measurement whereas without aortic dissection and aneurysm were selected as control group using ratio of 1:4. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship of PAC with aortic dissection and aneurysm.

RESULTS

Totally, 133 cases and 531 controls (all hypertensive) were enrolled between 2004 and 2021, with 77.9% men, mean age of 55.5 years and PAC of 13.9 ng/dL. Case group showed significantly higher PAC(14.51 versus 13.65 ng/dL, P=0.012) than did control group. In logistic regression analysis, higher PAC exhibited 1.68-fold higher odds (95% CI, 1.14-2.48, P=0.008) for presence of aortic dissection and aneurysm, significant in adjusted model (odds ratio, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.11-2.57], P=0.015). In stratified analysis, the association between the 2 was observed in women of all ages and in men with coronary artery disease. Sensitivity analysis by excluding those under interfering agents at PAC measurement and those with primary aldosteronism did not change the relationship of the 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher PAC is associated with the increased odd for aortic dissection and aneurysm in patients with hypertension, even in the absence of primary aldosteronism, implying that PAC might be a target for prevention.

Updates in aortic wall pathology

Several studies have investigated the pathogenesis of aortic wall abnormalities such as aortic dissection or aneurysm; however, the comprehensive pathological in situ event involved in the development of the disease is not understood well. The vasa vasorum form a network of capillaries or venules around the adventitia and outer media, which play an important role in the aortic wall structure and function. Impairment of their function may induce tissue hypoxia, impede the transfer of cellular nutrients, and cause aortic medial degeneration, which is considered the major predisposing factor to this aortic wall pathology. This review updates our understanding of the pathological changes in the aortic media and vasa vasorum of patients with aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm.

Low ambient temperature and temperature drop between neighbouring days and acute aortic dissection: a case-crossover study

AIMS

The incidence of acute aortic dissection (AAD) has been shown to have seasonal variation, but whether this variation can be explained by non-optimum ambient temperature and temperature change between neighbouring days (TCN) is not clear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a time-stratified case-crossover study in the Registry of Aortic Dissection in China covering 14 tertiary hospitals in 11 cities from 2009 to 2019. A total of 8182 cases of AAD were included. Weather data at residential address were matched from nearby monitoring stations. Conditional logistic regression model and distributed lag nonlinear model were used to estimate the associations of daily temperature and TCN with AAD, adjusting for possible confounders. We observed an increase of AAD risk with lower temperature cumulated over lag 0-1 day and this association became statistically significant when daily mean temperature was below 24°C. Relative to the referent temperature (28°C), the odds ratios (ORs) of AAD onset at extremely low (-10°C) and low (1°C) temperature cumulated over lag 0-1 day were 2.84 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.69, 4.75] and 2.36 (95% CI: 1.61, 3.47), respectively. A negative TCN was associated with increased risk of AAD. The OR of AAD cumulated over lag 0-6 days was 2.66 (95% CI: 1.76, 4.02) comparing the extremely negative TCN (-7°C) to no temperature change. In contrast, a positive TCN was associated with reduced AAD risk.

CONCLUSION

This study provides novel and robust evidence that low ambient temperature and temperature drop between neighbouring days were associated with increased risk of AAD onset.

KEY QUESTION

Incidence of acute aortic dissection (AAD) was reported to have seasonal trends, but it remains unclear whether non-optimum ambient temperature and temperature change between neighbouring days (TCN) is associated with AAD onset.

KEY FINDING

Daily mean temperature lower than 24°C was significantly associated with increased risk of AAD at lag 0-1 day. A negative TCN (temperature drop) was associated with increased risk of AAD, whereas a positive TCN was associated with decreased risk.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

This multi-centre, case-crossover study provides novel and robust evidence that low ambient temperature and temperature drop between neighbouring days were associated with increased AAD risk.

Prevalence, clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of SLE patients with aortic aneurysm: a cross-sectional retrospective study in a Chinese single center

OBJECTIVES

The prevalence, clinical features, and outcomes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with or without aortic aneurysm (AA) were compared in a Chinese single-center cohort.

METHODS

Included in this study were SLE patients who received treatment at Shanghai Changhai Hospital between 2000 and 2020. The prevalence, clinical features, and outcomes of these SLE patients with or without AA were compared by Student's t-tests or Fisher's exact tests as appropriate. Risk factors associated with AA occurrence in SLE were evaluated by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The survival analysis between SLE patients with or without AA was conducted by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Of the 1843 SLE patients included in this study, 16 (0.86%) were identified as having AA, and 160 of the remaining 1825 SLE patients without AA were selected as a simple random sample for comparison. The SLE patients with AA showed a higher proportion of smoking and hypertension as compared with those with no AA. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a long SLE duration and anti-RNP positivity were two independent risk factors associated with AA occurrence in SLE patients. The log rank test showed that SLE patients with AA had a significantly higher risk of progression to death. Renal disorder was associated with an even poorer outcome in SLE patients with AA.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of AA in SLE patients may be underestimated. The association between AA and SLE, especially in patients with multiple risk factors, should not be ignored. Key Points • The risk of SLE patients developing AA may be higher than that previously estimated. • The risk of SLE patients especially with multiple risk factors developing AA should not be ignored. • The diagnosis of AA should not be forgot when SLE patients present with chest, back, or abdominal symptoms with unexplained causes.

A New Aortic Arch Dissection Classification: The Fuwai Classification

Aims: We describe a new aortic arch dissection (AcD) classification, which we have called the Fuwai classification. We then compare the clinical characteristics and long-term prognoses of different classifications.

Methods: All AcD patients who underwent surgical procedures at Fuwai Hospital from 2010 to 2015 were included in the study. AcD procedures are divided into three types: Fuwai type Cp, Ct, and Cd. Type Cp is defined as the innominate artery or combined with the left carotid artery involved. Type Cd is defined as the left subclavian artery or combined with the left carotid artery involved. All other AcD surgeries are defined as type Ct. The Chi-square test was adopted for the pairwise comparison among the three types. Kaplan-Meier was used for the analysis of long-term survival and survival free of reoperation.

Results: In total, 1,063 AcD patients were enrolled from 2010 to 2015: 54 patients were type Cp, 832 were type Ct, and 177 were type Cd. The highest operation proportion of Cp, Ct and Cd were partial arch replacement, total arch replacement, and TEVAR. The surgical mortality in type Ct was higher compared to type Cd (Ct vs. Cd = 9.38 vs. 1.69%, p < 0.01) and type Cp (Ct vs. Cp = 9.38 vs. 1.85%, p = 0.06). There was no difference in surgical mortality of type Cp and Cd (p = 0.93). There were no significant differences in the long-term survival rates (p = 0.38) and free of aorta-related re-operations (p = 0.19).

Conclusion: The Fuwai classification is used to distinguish different AcDs. Different AcDs have different surgical mortality and use different operation methods, but they have similar long-term results.

Age-related differences in acute aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the differences in clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD) in different age groups.

METHODS

The present single-center retrospective study was conducted from August 2014 to August 2020. The patients were divided into three groups: age <45 years (young group), age 45 to 59 years (middle-age group), and age >59 years (elderly group). Type A (TAAD) and type B (TBAD) aortic dissection were evaluated separately using the latest definitions.

RESULTS

The mean age at onset was 52.4 years in our cohort of 602 patients. The young group included a large proportion of male patients (86%). The body mass index and body surface area were higher in the young group. The proportion of non-true lumen blood supply of branches on the abdominal aorta in the young group (27%-55%) was greater than that in the others. In the young group, the distal extent of dissection in 84% of TAAD and 89% of TBAD exceeded the abdominal aortic branch cluster (AABC) compared with 36% of TAAD and 58% of TBAD in the elderly group. The multivariate analysis revealed that age <45 years (odds ratio, 5.15; P < .001) and D-dimer level (odds ratio, 1.05; P = .001) were risk factors for intimal flap tear exceeding the AABC. The proportion of visceral and lower limb malperfusion increased from 4.8% to 36.9% as the intimal flap tear exceeded the AABC.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with middle-age and elderly patients, young patients with AAD had two characteristics (ie, obesity and an intimal flap that had frequently exceeded the branches of the aorta). These two factors resulted in a greater proportion of non-true lumen blood supply, increased visceral and lower limb malperfusion, and an increase in potential associated risks.

Comparison of two techniques (in vivo and ex-vivo) for evaluating the elastic properties of the ascending aorta: Prospective cohort study

Introduction

Aneurysms of the ascending aorta (AA) correspond to a dilatation of the ascending aorta that progressively evolves over several years. The main complication of aneurysms of the ascending aorta is type A aortic dissection, which is associated with very high rates of morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic ascending aorta replacement guidelines are currently based on maximal AA diameter. However, this criterion is imperfect. Stretching tests on the aorta carried out ex-vivo make it possible to determine the elastic properties of healthy and aneurysmal aortic fragments (tension test, resistance before rupture). For several years now, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has provided another means of evaluating the elastic properties of the aorta. This imaging technique has the advantage of being non-invasive and of establishing aortic compliance (local measurement of stiffness) without using contrast material by measuring the variation of the aortic surface area during the cardiac cycle, and pulse wave velocity (overall stiffness of the aorta).

Materials and methods

Prospective single-center study including 100 patients with ascending aortic aneurysm requiring surgery. We will perform preoperative cine-MRI and biomechanical laboratory stretching tests on aortic samples collected during the cardiac procedure. Images will be acquired with a 3T MRI with only four other acquisitions in addition to the conventional protocol. These additional sequences are a Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH)-type sequence performed during a short breath-hold in the transverse plane at the level of the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery, and phase-contrast sequences that encodes velocity at the same localization, and also in planes perpendicular to the aorta at the levels of the sino-tubular junction and the diaphragm for the descending aorta. For ex-vivo tests, the experiments will be carried out by a biaxial tensile test machine (ElectroForce®). Each specimen will be stretched with 10 times of 10% preconditioning and at a rate of 10 mm/min until rupture. During the experiment, the tissue is treated under a 37°C saline bath. The maximum elastic modulus from each sample will be calculated.

Results

The aim of this study is to obtain local patient-specific elastic modulus distribution of the ascending aorta from biaxial tensile tests and to assess elastic properties of the aorta using MRI, then to evaluate the correlation between biaxial tests and MRI measurements.

Discussion

Our research hypothesis is that there is a correlation between the evaluation of the elastic properties of the aorta from cardiac MRI and from stretching tests performed ex-vivo on aorta samples collected during ascending aorta replacement.

Genetic testing and clinical relevance of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in northwestern China

BACKGROUND

Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening pathology that remains a challenge worldwide. Up to 40% of TAAD cases are hereditary with complex heterogeneous genetic backgrounds. The purposes of this study were to determine the diagnostic rate of patients with TAAD, investigate the molecular pathologic spectrum of TAAD by next-generation sequencing (NGS), and explore the future preclinical prospects of genetic diagnosis in patients at high -risk of study.

METHODS

NGS was used to screen 15 genes associated with genetic TAAD in 212 patients from northwestern China. Clinical data of patients were gathered by electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, and computed tomography.

RESULTS

Of the 212 patients, 67 (31.60%) tested positive for a (likely) pathogenic variant, 42 (19.81%) had a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), and 103 (48.58%) had no variant (likely benign/benign/negative). A total of 135 reportable variants were detected in our test, among which 77 (57.04%) are first reported in this paper. A genotype-phenotype correlation of FBN1 was assessed, and the data showed that the patients with truncating and splicing mutations are more prone to developing severe aortic dissection than those with missense mutations, especially frameshift mutations (82.76% vs. 42.86%). In this study, 43 (20.28%) patients had a family history of sudden death or TAAD, whereas 132 (62.26%) did not (the remaining 37 were not available), and the positive rate of genetic testing was higher in TAAD patients with family history than in those without (76.74% vs. 18.94%).

CONCLUSION

Our study concludes that genetic variation is an important consideration in the risk stratification of individualized prediction and disease diagnosis.

Genetic variants in Chinese patients with sporadic Stanford type A aortic dissection

Background

Genetic disorders are strongly associated with aortic disease. However, the identities of genetic mutations in sporadic Stanford type A aortic dissection (STAAD) are not clear. The present study analysed the possible genetic mutations of the known pathogenic genes of aortic disease and the clinical characteristics in patients with sporadic STAAD.

Methods

We analysed genetic mutations in 26 genes that underlie aortic aneurysms and dissections in 100 sporadic STAAD patients and 568 healthy controls after whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Clinical features and in-hospital death were determined in all STAAD patients.

Results

In total, 60 suspicious pathogenic mutations (56 novel and 4 previously reported) in 19 genes were identified in 50% (50/100) of patients, and 14 patients had more than 1 mutation. The ascending aortic diameter was extended in patients with mutations (49.1±12.3 vs. 43.7±11.2 mm, P=0.023), and the DeBakey type I phenotype was more common in patients with mutations in genes that coded extracellular matrix (ECM) components than in patients with mutations in other genes (96.6% vs. 66.7%, P=0.007). Patients with fibrillin-1 (FBN1) mutations were younger than patients without FBN1 mutations (44.7±11.0 vs. 53.5±12.1, P=0.030). Subgroup analyses revealed an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in mutation carriers (44.4% vs. 10.5%, P=0.029) but only in patients who received conservative treatment.

Conclusions

Half of Chinese patients with a sporadic form of STAAD may carry mutations in known pathogenic genes of aortic disease, and these patients may exhibit distinct clinical features and poor clinical outcomes with the use of conservative treatment.

Analysis of Hub Genes and the Mechanism of Immune Infiltration in Stanford Type a Aortic Dissection

Background: Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) is a catastrophic disease. An immune infiltrate has been found within the aortic wall of dissected aortic specimens. The recall and activation of macrophages are key events in the early phases of AAD. Herein, the immune filtration profile of AAD was uncovered.

Methods: Gene expression data from the GSE52093, GSE98770 and GSE153434 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of each dataset were calculated and then integrated. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established with the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), and the hub genes were identified in Cytoscape. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of hub genes were performed. Finally, we set GSE52093 and GSE98770 as the training set and GSE153434 as the validation set to assess immune infiltration in AAD using CIBERSORTx and analyzed the correlations between immune cells and hub genes in both the training and validation sets.

Results: Sixty-one integrated DEGs were identified. The top 10 hub genes were selected from the PPI network, and 140 biological process (BP) terms and 12 pathways were enriched among the top 10 hub genes. The proportions of monocytes and macrophages were significantly higher in AAD tissues than in normal tissues. Notably, this result was consistent in the training set and the validation set. In addition, we found that among the hub genes, CA9, CXCL5, GDF15, VEGFA, CCL20, HMOX1, and SPP1 were positively correlated with CD14, a cell marker of monocytes, while CA9, CXCL5, GDF15, and VEGFA were positively correlated with CD68, a cell marker of macrophages in the training set. Finally, according to the results of the GO and KEGG analysis of hub genes, we found that the monocyte/macrophage-related genes were involved in immune-inflammatory responses through degradation of the extracellular matrix, endothelial cell apoptosis, hypoxia and the interaction of cytokines and chemokines.

Conclusion: The monocyte-macrophage system plays a major role in immune-inflammatory responses in the development of AAD. Several hub genes are involved in this process via diverse mechanisms.