Endovascular stent-graft management of aortic intramural hematomas

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Retrograde Type A Aortic Intramural Hematoma

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in descending aorta for retrograde type A aortic intramural hematoma (re-TAIMH).

Methods: From January 2013 to September 2019, 65 consecutive patients diagnosed with re-TAIMH and treated by TEVAR were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study, of whom 44 patients presented with entry tear in descending aorta (Group A) and 21 with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (Group B). The clinical data, including baseline characteristics, adverse events, aortic remolding, and overall survival were reviewed.

Results: The mean age of all the patients was 52.0 ± 8.3 years, and 54 (83.1%) patients were men. The mean maximal ascending aortic diameter (MAAD) was 43.1 ± 5.4 mm, and the mean maximal ascending aortic hematoma thickness (MAAHT) was 9.6 ± 4.7 mm. TEVAR was performed under general anesthesia in 53 (81.5%) patients, while 12 (18.5%) patients were treated under local anesthesia. There were two deaths during hospitalization (one with rupture and another with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome), and overall survival at 1, 4, and 7 years for all 65 patients was 93.8, 92.0, and 87.4%, respectively. The MAAD and MAATH decreased significantly after TEVAR (p < 0.05) in the two groups, so did the mean descending aortic diameter at the pulmonary bifurcation level. Type I endoleak, dialysis, progression to type A aortic dissection, and enlargement in MAAHT and MAAD were more common complications, which occurred in four, three, two, and two patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Patients with retrograde TAIMH treated by TEVAR had a favorable prognosis including late survival and aortic remolding. However, some post-intervention complications were not negligible.

Outcomes of intramural hematoma involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta

OBJECTIVE

The optimal treatment of intramural hematoma (IMH) involving the ascending aorta remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze the results of the management of patients with acute IMH involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta, to compare outcomes of descending thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with that of medical therapy (MT), and to assess the risk factors associated with adverse aortic events.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all patients diagnosed with acute IMH involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta from January 2012 to December 2019. The primary end points during follow-up were aortic disease-related death and adverse aorta-related events that required surgical or endovascular treatment, such as aortic rupture, the progression of aortic disease, or endoleak.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 135 patients with acute IMH involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta, of whom 104 underwent descending TEVAR (group 1) and 31 were managed with MT (group 2). Freedom from adverse aorta-related events at 1, 3, and 5 years was significantly higher for patients who underwent descending TEVAR compared with those managed with MT (89.2%, 88.2%, and 84.0% vs 74.2%, 74.2%, and 74.2%, respectively; P = .026). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for patients in the descending TEVAR group was 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, which was significantly higher than the survival of the MT group: 93.5%, 93.5%, and 81.9%, respectively (P = .002). On a univariate analysis among patients receiving MT, those who suffered adverse aorta-related events showed a higher prevalence of renal insufficiency (55.6% vs 9.1%; P = .003). In MT patients, multivariate analysis showed that renal insufficiency was the only independent risk factor associated with adverse aorta-related events (hazard ratio, 8.691; 95% confidence interval, 2.056-36.737; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our study, compared with MT, descending TEVAR might be the more favorable treatment for patients with IMH involving the ascending aorta and extending into the descending thoracic aorta. Patients with renal insufficiency are more likely to experience adverse aorta-related events, which implies the need for subsequent intervention or an increased risk of mortality. The risk factor would be helpful for clinical decision-making.

Endovascular repair for retrograde type A intramural hematoma with focal intimal disruption in descending aorta

Background

This study aims to report the experience of a single center using thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat retrograde type A intramural hematoma (IMH) with focal intimal disruption (FID) in descending aorta.

Methods

A total of 24 consecutive patients with retrograde type A IMH and complicated with FID in descending aorta underwent TEVAR in our center from 2015 to 2020. Their clinical data, imaging manifestation and follow-up results were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

The median age of patients was 57.9 years (range, 42–80 years) and 18 were men (75%). As the preoperative CT angiography showed, the 24 patients developed IMH complicated with different kinds of FIDs in descending aorta [5 had intramural blood pool (IBP), 15 had ulcer-like projection (ULP), 2 had penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU), and 5 had localized dissection]. Successful deployment of aortic stent graft was achieved in all patients. There was no endoleak, stent graft migration, spinal cord ischemia, stroke, or 30-day mortality observed after TEVAR. The median duration of follow-up was 30.0 months (range, 3–60 months). As the last follow-up CT angiography showed, most of the patients (23 in 24, 96%) had favorable aortic remodeling. The maximum hematoma thicknesses and maximum diameters of both ascending and descending aorta were significantly decreased. During follow-up, 1 patient developed retrograde type A aortic dissection (RAAD) and underwent open surgery 3 months after TEVAR. 1 patient died of lung cancer 2 years later. There was no aorta-related death observed.

Conclusions

TEVAR provides a safe and effective treatment strategy for selected patients with retrograde type A IMH, and FID developed in descending aorta could be the possible treatment target. However, RAAD remains one of the most serious postoperative complications of concern.

Clinical features and outcomes after endovascular therapy for penetrating aortic ulcer and intramural hematoma

OBJECTIVES

To identify the differences between clinical features and outcomes after endovascular therapy for penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) and intramural hematoma (IMH).

METHODS

From January 2009 to March 2020, patients who underwent endovascular therapy for PAU and IMH were enrolled. Information on patient demographics, presentation, PAU and IMH morphology, laboratory examination, and clinical follow-up information was collected and analyzed. Univariate analysis was performed to identify the differences between IMH and PAU, and Kaplan-Meier was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate and freedom from reintervention.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were enrolled; 80 (70.2%) of them were diagnosed with PAU. Compared with PAU, patients with IMH were younger (p = 0.006), more likely to be admitted emergently (p = 0.001), had longer hospital stay (p = 0.028), and had higher levels of C-reactive protein (p = 0.030). Meanwhile, patients with IMH were more likely to be associated with hypertension (p = 0.020) and pleural effusion (p < 0.001) and less likely to have a history of acute coronary syndrome (p = 0.019) and prior cardiovascular intervention (p = 0.017). The five-year freedom from reintervention and cumulative survival rate were 94.2% (95% confidential interval, 88.9%-99.9%) and 87.8% (95% confidential interval, 79.5%-96.9%) in PAU patients and 89.6% (95% confidential interval, 75.8%-99.9%) and 85.1% (95% confidential interval, 68.0%-99.9%) in IMH patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in freedom from reintervention (p = 0.795) or cumulative survival rate (p = 0.817).

CONCLUSIONS

IMH appeared to occur in younger patients with hypertension and usually had an acute onset, while PAU was more likely to be found incidentally in older patients with atherosclerosis. Endovascular therapy was effective in both IMH and PAU patients with encouraging outcomes.

Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) is defined as ulceration of an aortic atherosclerotic plaque penetrating through the internal elastic lamina into the media. With the advances in imaging techniques, the differential diagnosis between PAU and other aortic ulcers remains a challenge. This review aims to summarize the latest insight into PAU, based on clinical context and the newest imaging characteristics, to aid treatment decision-making.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most PAUs are asymptomatic and do not require urgent invasive treatment. Nevertheless, when PAU leads to an acute aortic syndrome, emergency invasive therapy is recommended. A differential diagnosis with other lesions, such as ulcerated plaques or intimal disruptions within the context of an aortic intramural hematoma, is required as the risk of complications and management differ. Imaging technique plays a pivotal role in the correct diagnosis of aortic ulcers.

SUMMARY

The differential diagnosis of PAU with other aortic ulcers based on clinical and imaging technique information is mandatory as it may imply different prognosis and management. This diagnosis is particularly important when PAU is the cause of acute aortic syndromes as urgent invasive treatment should be recommended.

Neurological presentation of acute aortic syndrome: Type A intramural haematoma presenting as ischaemic hemisection of the spinal cord

INTRODUCTION

Intramural haematoma (IMH) describes the presence of blood within the aortic wall, and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis is essential for institution of medical, and sometimes surgical, management. Neurological complications have rarely been described during the initial presentation of IMH, or other forms of acute aortic syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a 56-year-old man who presented with sudden onset chest pain and left leg weakness and numbness, and the loss of right leg pain and temperature sensation. CT Angiography showed a Type A intramural haematoma extending from the ascending to the infra-renal aorta. He was managed successfully with cerebrospinal fluid drainage and thoracic endografting to cover the intimal entry lesion. His neurological symptoms improved and he remained well at 3 years with minor residual neurological deficits.

DISCUSSION

Spinal cord infarction is a rare but documented complication of acute aortic syndrome; Brown-Séquard syndrome typically results from a traumatic injury. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of IMH presenting with Brown-Séquard syndrome. This case highlights the need to consider acute aortic syndromes in a patient presenting with chest pain and acute neurological symptoms.

Beyond the term penetrating aortic ulcer: A morphologic descriptor covering a constellation of entities with different prognoses

Penetrating aortic ulcer (AU) is defined as localized disruption of the intimal layer of the aortic wall, resulting in a crater-like lesion outpouching from the vessel contour. AU is a generic term which encompasses a constellation of entities with different etiologies and prognoses and may be a complication of infective, inflammatory, traumatic, iatrogenic, atherosclerotic processes or intramural hematoma. One of the most challenging scenarios of AU for a differential diagnosis, but also for treatment implications, is when they are associated with acute aortic syndrome. Despite advances in the field of aortic disease, lack of consensus defining these lesions and the significant semantic confusion in the medical literature of the acronym PAU (for penetrating aortic ulcer but also for penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer) have given rise to controversy in guidelines and expert consensus, leading to the same treatment being recommended for entities with different etiology and prognosis. Moreover, in the medical literature, most diagnoses were mainly based on imaging techniques which identified AU regardless of clinical symptoms, surrounding imaging findings or dynamic morphologic changes. In this Review, we provide the latest insight into the differential diagnosis between AU, also called penetrating aortic ulcers, based on clinical context and the newest imaging characteristics to aid treatment decision-making.

Is the Natural Anatomical Evolution of Type B Intramural Hematomas Reliable to Identify the Patients at Risk of Aneurysmal Progression?

BACKGROUND

The natural history of type B intramural hematomas is little-known. Aneurysmal progression or an aortic dissection occurs in 15 to 20% of the cases. The study of the natural anatomical evolution could help identify the patients at risk of unfavorable evolution.

METHODS

All the patients monitored for a type B intramural hematoma between 2009 and 2018 were included in this monocentric retrospective study. Computed tomography angiography centerline measurement of diameters was obtained in various points of aortic segmentation on day (D) 0 and at one month (M1). Aortic volumes (lumen, intramural hematoma, and total volume) were calculated. The circulating volume was calculated using the volume rendering method. The volume of the intramural hematoma was measured using a manual section-by-section segmentation tool, and the total volume was obtained by summing up the two preceding volumes. Two groups of patients were compared: group 1 (favorable anatomical evolution) and group 2 (unfavorable anatomical evolution).

RESULTS

Between January 2008 and August 2018, 25 patients were managed for a type B intramural hematoma in our center. After an average follow-up of 15.5 months (1-52), 13 patients (52%) presented a favorable evolution and 12 (48%) an unfavorable evolution. At M1, a significant increase of the luminal diameters (37 mm vs. 32 mm; P < 0.01) and a significant reduction in the longitudinal extension (19 mm vs. 26 mm; P < 0.01) were observed. The maximum aortic diameter evolved significantly between D0 and M1 in the unfavorable evolution group (49 mm vs. 44 mm, respectively; P = 0.038). Such a difference was not found in the favorable evolution group (37.4 vs. 37.1, respectively; P = 0.552). An overall significant reduction in the total aortic volume (166 cm³ vs. 219 cm³; P < 0.01), the circulating volume (124 cm³ vs. 145 cm³; P = 0,026), and the volume of the hematoma (42 cm³ vs. 39 cm³; P < 0.01) was observed. The circulating volume decreased significantly between D0 and M1 in the favorable evolution group (110 cm³ vs. 135 cm³; P = 0.05), whereas no difference was noted in the unfavorable group (142 cm³ vs, 157 cm³; P = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

The progression of the maximum aortic diameter and of the circulating volume after one month of follow-up could be predictive factors of the poor long-term evolution of type B intramural hematomas.

Intimal disruption in type B aortic intramural hematoma. Does size matter? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Type B intramural hematoma (IMH) is considered a low-risk entity for aortic complications if aortic dilation, containing rupture or clinical instability are absent. However, the development of intimal disruptions (ID), present in >40% of cases, poses an unknown risk.

OBJECTIVES

To establish which ID characteristics imply a higher risk of aortic complications and, therefore, merit invasive treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review and a meta-analysis were made following a search in EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO for articles published between January 1995 and December 2017. The combined endpoint was defined as aortic mortality, invasive treatment for aortic disease and/or increase in maximum aortic diameter ≥55 mm. Lesions with communicating orifice ≤3 mm were defined as tiny ID (TID) and those with >3 mm as focal ID (FID).

RESULTS

Six studies with 564 participants diagnosed of type B IMH were included. Incidence of ID was 54.3% (306 individuals): 27.7% (156 individuals) initially met TID criteria; however, 13.9% of these (21 of 151 with morphologic evolution) evolved to FID within the first 6 months. Ninety-two cases suffered clinical aorta-related events (16.3%; mean follow-up range: 15-85 months; median: 52 months). Patients with TID had a similar risk of aorta-related events to those without ID (RR = 0.904; 95% CI, 0.335-2.440; P = 0.842; I² = 42.5%), but lower than those with FID (RR = 0.299; 95% CI, 0.094-0.952; P = 0.041; I² = 26.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tiny intimal disruption in type B IMH evolution is not related to an increased risk of complications and should not be considered an indication for invasive treatment. However, since 14% of TID evolve to FID within the first 6 months, close follow-up with imaging techniques is advisable.

Acute retrograde type A intramural hematoma treated with an endovascular approach

A 71-year-old woman was admitted with sudden onset of severe chest pain. Computed tomography demonstrated acute type A intramural hematoma with an entry tear in the first part of the descending aorta. The patient refused an operation. Endovascular repair was performed to prevent conversion to a typical dissection of the ascending aorta. At the 1-year follow-up, computed tomography showed total resolution of the intramural hematoma.

Aortic intramural hemorrhage: A distinct disease entity with mystery

Aortic intramural hemorrhage (IMH) is one of the disease processes that comprise the spectrum of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) with clinical manifestations and a mortality rate similar to those of classic aortic dissection (AD). However, IMH should be considered as a distinct disease entity rather than a precursor to classic dissection because of differences in their pathology, etiology, natural history, and imaging findings. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) is recommended as the first-line diagnostic imaging modality for IMH, but transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also helpful. There is still debate over the appropriate treatment of IMH. Medical treatment of type B IMH appears effective and safe, while surgical treatment is recommended for type A IMH. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a promising treatment for selected patients, and more clinical evidence needs to be assembled.

An analysis of initial and follow-up CT findings in intramural hematoma, aortic double-lumen dissection, and mixed type lesions

BACKGROUND

Although the clinical presentation of intramural hematoma (IMH) and aortic double-lumen dissection (AD) is similar, the imaging results and subsequent clinical course of the two lesions differ.

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical and radiological findings of IMH, AD, and mixed type lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-two patients with IMH, 38 with AD, and 10 with mixed type lesions were imaged with post-contrast-enhanced CT. The most proximal ulcer-like lesions and entry tears and the distal ends of the IMH and AD were evaluated. The interval change of the intramural hematoma, ulcer-like lesion, and false lumen was observed. The pathological findings of the aorta were evaluated in 15 patients.

RESULTS

The most proximal ulcer-like lesion and entry tear were located in the arch to the descending aorta in 27 (64.2%) of the 42 patients with IMH and in 24 (63.1%) of the 38 patients with AD. The distal extension was located at the iliac arteries in six (14.3%) patients with IMH and in 31 (81.6%) patients with AD (P < 0.001). The intramural hematomas regressed in 29 (93.5%) of 31 patients, and the ulcer-like lesion progressed in 14 (70%) of 20 patients with IMH. The clinical features of the mixed type lesions resembled those of AD, rather than IMH. The intramural hematoma or dissection was observed within the outer media in all lesion types on histopathology.

CONCLUSION

There is a distinct difference between IMH and AD in distal extension; however, the locations of the lesions are pathologically the same in the media of the aorta.

Midterm results of type B intramural hematoma endovascular treatment

BACKGROUND

Recently, intramural hematoma (IMH) has been characterized as a rare variant of aortic dissection, falling within the acute aortic syndromes (AAS). Although aortic endovascular treatment seems to provide good results, no consensus has been established regarding the optimal management of IMH affecting the descending thoracic aorta (IMH B). The aim of this study was to assess long-term clinical and morphological results of IMH B treated with a stent graft.

METHODS

Between 2002 and 2013, 15 of the 423 (3.5%) consecutive patients with AAS were found to have IMH B. During follow-up, complications related to IMH B were observed in 10 patients, including 5 during the acute period (<14 days). Surgical indications were ulcerations, refractory pain, aneurysm evolution, aortic rupture, and pleural effusion. An endovascular approach was taken for all forms with suitable anatomy.

RESULTS

Technical success rate was 100%, with complete exclusion of lesions of the descending thoracic aorta in all cases treated with a stent graft. No neurological complications or deaths occurred within the first 30 postoperative days, nor at the end of the mean follow-up of 46 months (1-137 months). After the aortic stent graft, partial or complete regression of the hematoma was observed in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

IMH B is most often a progressive disease requiring long-term monitoring. In case of complications, stent-graft treatment of the descending thoracic aorta can be performed successfully in most cases. This procedure appears to be a safe technique that provides very good long-term results, with favorable remodeling of the aorta.

Endovascular treatment of an acute ascending aortic intramural hematoma

INTRODUCTION

Herein, we present a case of an elderly gentleman who presented with an extensive intramural hematoma of the aorta which was treated with a percutaneous placement of an endovascular stent.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 79-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented to the emergency department because of sudden onset of substernal chest pain radiating to his back. A chest computerized tomography scan was performed that demonstrated a Type A aortic wall intramural hematoma involving the arch and ascending aorta dissecting both antegrade and retrograde from a penetrating ulcer located in the descending aorta, immediately distal to the left subclavian artery. No dissection flap was noted. The patient opted for an endovascular approach. He was treated with the placement of a stent just distal to the left subclavian artery, with good results noted on follow-up exam performed 3 months later.

DISCUSSION

The treatment of a Type A IMH lacks consensus, but the majority do favor surgical management. The data are limited; however, there are reports of patients with Type A intramural hematoma treated with descending aortic endograft at the site of the culprit ulcerated plaque, with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION

In a select group of patients, an endovascular approach for the treatment of a Type A aortic wall intramural hematoma caused by an ulcerated plaque may be a viable treatment option.

Endovascular management of acute aortic syndromes

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

Detection of Intimal Defect by 64-Row Multidetector Computed Tomography in Patients With Acute Aortic Intramural Hematoma

Background—

Previous pathological and clinical studies demonstrated an intimal defect in patients with acute aortic intramural hematoma (IMH). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical outcome of intimal defect detected by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients with IMH.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively analyzed 38 consecutive patients with IMH in whom 64-row MDCT was performed during the acute phase (median, 5 days from the onset). Intimal defect was defined as continuity disruption of the inner layer of thrombosed false lumen, which could be detected by 1-mm axial and longitudinal interactive multiplanar reformation images. Clinical outcome of intimal defect was assessed in patients with type B IMH (n=32). A total of 48 lesions in 27 (71%) patients were recognized as intimal defects. The incidence of intimal defect was not affected by the timing of MDCT examination (1 to 3 days, 79%; 4 to 7 days, 58%; 8 to 14 days, 75%; P =0.56). In type B IMH, 16 (76%) of 21 patients with intimal defect showed progression (enlargement or progression to aortic aneurysm) in the chronic phase. In contrast, all 11 patients without intimal defect had complete resorption of hematoma. In lesion-based analysis, a depth of intimal defect of ≥5 mm predicted progression with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 84%, 95%, 94%, and 86%, respectively.

Conclusions—

A considerable portion of patients with IMH showed intimal defect detected by MDCT even in the very early stage, and defects frequently enlarged. Patients with intimal defect should be carefully followed up with serial imaging.

Computed tomography of aortic intramural hematoma and thrombosed dissection

A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the appearance of the aortic wall on computed tomography for the purpose of developing criteria for differentiating acute aortic intramural hematoma from thrombosed false lumen seen in aortic dissection. Computed tomography angiography findings of the thoracoabdominal aorta in 23 patients with suspected intramural hematoma and 25 with thrombosed false lumen were reviewed. The more common features of an intramural hematoma were hyperattenuation of the aortic wall, wall thickness less than a quarter of the aortic diameter, intrinsic wall calcification, a lesion extending around the entire aortic circumference, and ulcer-like projections that may be precursors of intramural hematoma. Wall thickness less than a quarter of the aortic diameter, lesion extending around the entire aortic circumference, and ulcer-like projections were the most useful indicators for distinguishing intramural hematoma from the thrombosed false lumen in aortic dissection.

[Acute aortic syndrome and endovascular treatment: good indications of stent-graft, stent and aortic fenestration]

Acute aortic syndrome of the descending aorta can be treated with stent-graft thanks to technical and material development. Ruptured aneurysms, aortic dissection, wall hematoma and penetrating ulcers can be treated with stent-graft. According to the type of initial lesion, and the clinical tolerance, the emergency of treatment can be different. Non covered stent and aortic fenestration are used in case of visceral ischemia in aortic dissection, according to the type of ischemia.

Impact of New Development of Ulcer-Like Projection on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Type B Aortic Dissection With Closed and Thrombosed False Lumen

Background— The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical importance of newly developed ulcer-like projection (ULP) in patients with type B aortic dissection with closed and thrombosed false lumen (AD with CTFL), which is better known as aortic intramural hematoma.

Methods and Results— A total of 170 patients with acute type B AD with CTFL were admitted to our institution from 1986 to 2008 and treated initially with medical therapy. There were 31 late deaths, including 9 cases of aortic rupture. The actuarial survival rates of all patients were 99%, 89%, 83% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. A total of 62 (36%) patients showed new ULP development within 30 days from the onset. Patients who had ULP showed significantly poorer survival rates than patients who did not have ULP ( P =0.037). Development of ULP was also associated with a significant increase in adverse aorta-related events ( P <0.001). In addition, patients with ULP in the proximal descending thoracic aorta (PD) showed significantly higher aorta-related event rates than patients without ULP in the PD ( P <0.001). Initial aortic diameter (hazard ratio, 3.55; P <0.001) and development of ULP in PD (hazard ratio, 3.79; P =0.003) were the strongest predictors of adverse aorta-related events.

Conclusions— Initial aortic diameter and development of ULP in the PD are both strong predictors of adverse aorta-related events in patients with type B AD with CTFL. Patients with newly developed ULP should be more carefully followed up with close surveillance imaging than those without ULP.