Acute aortic dissection and pregnancy: Review and meta-analysis of incidence, presentation, and pathologic substrates

Establishing and Validating a Morphological Prediction Model Based on CTA to Evaluate the Incidence of Type-B Dissection

Background: Many patients with Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) may not show noticeable symptoms until they become intervention and help prevent critically ill, which can result in fatal outcomes. Thus, it is crucial to screen people at high risk of TBAD and initiate the necessary preventive and therapeutic measures before irreversible harm occurs. By developing a prediction model for aortic arch morphology, it is possible to accurately identify those at high risk and take prompt action to prevent the adverse consequences of TBAD. This approach can facilitate timely the development of serious illnesses. Method: The predictive model was established in a primary population consisting of 173 patients diagnosed with acute Stanford TBAD, with data collected from January 2017 and December 2018, as well as 534 patients with healthy aortas, with data collected from April 2018 and December 2018. Explicitly, the data were randomly separated into the derivation set and validation set in a 7:3 ratio. Geometric and anatomical features were extracted from a three-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction of the aortic arch. The LASSO regression model was utilized to minimize the data dimension and choose relevant features. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and backward stepwise selection were employed for predictive model generation, combining demographic and clinical features as well as geometric and anatomical features. The predictive model's performance was evaluated by examining its calibration, discrimination, and clinical benefit. Finally, we also conducted internal verification. Results: After applying LASSO logistic regression and backward stepwise selection, 12 features were entered into the prediction model. Age, aortic arch angle, total thoracic aorta distance, ascending aorta tortuosity, aortic arch tortuosity, distal descending aorta tortuosity, and type III arch were protective factors, while male sex, hypertension, aortic arch height, and aortic arch distance were risk factors. The model exhibited satisfactory discrimination (AUC, 0.917 [95% CI, 0.890-0.945]) and good calibration in the derivation set. Applying the predictive model to the validation set also provided satisfactory discrimination (AUC, 0.909 [95% CI, 0.864-0.953]) and good calibration. The TBAD nomogram for clinical use was established. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a multivariable logistic regression model can be used to predict TBAD patients.

Population risk profile analysis of acute uncomplicated type B aortic dissection patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair

BACKGROUND

Uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (unTBAD) comprises the estimated majority of type B aortic dissection (TBAD), presenting without any of the complications associated with complicated TBAD (coTBAD). Although first-line treatment for coTBAD is thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and despite the fact that TEVAR has proven its safety and effectiveness in the treatment of unTBAD, unTBAD is still being predominantly managed conservatively with medical therapy, with a small proportion of patients being offered TEVAR.

AIMS

The main scope of this review is to highlight the evidence in the literature of the demographic characteristics and associated co-morbidities of unTBAD patients undergoing TEVAR in order to produce a risk stratification system to achieve favourable outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and EMBASE.

RESULTS

Multiple demographic characteristics and associated co-morbidities of unTBAD patients affecting TEVAR outcomes were identified, assessed, and investigated, including age, gender, race, genetics, medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, and lifestyle factors such as smoking. Most factors were associated with increased risks of mortality and morbidity, while others, such as race, were identified as being protective against those when it comes to TEVAR.

CONCLUSION

Despite the favourable results yielded by TEVAR in unTBAD, there remains a grey area concerning its management. Thus, it is important to incorporate the demographics and co-morbidities of unTBAD patients' when into clinical judgement when assessing indications for TEVAR intervention to ensure optimum results can be achieved.

Pregnancy-related aortic complications in women with bicuspid aortic valve

OBJECTIVES

To describe the aortic-related risks associated with pregnancy in women with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and to evaluate changes in aortic diameter in pregnancy.

METHODS

Prospective observational study of patients with BAV from a single-site registry of pregnant women with structural heart disease between 2013 and 2020. Cardiac, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were studied. An assessment of aortic dimensions was performed during pregnancy by two-dimensional echocardiography. Aortic diameters were measured at the annulus, root, sinotubular junction and maximum ascending aorta diameter, and the largest diameter was used. Measurements of the aorta were made using the end-diastolic leading edge-to-leading edge convention.

RESULTS

Forty-three women (32.9 years, IQR 29.6-35.3) with BAV were included: 9 (20.9%) had repaired aortic coarctation; 23 (53.5%) had moderate or severe aortic valve disease; 5 (11.6%) had a bioprosthetic aortic valve; and 2 (4.7%) had a mechanical prosthetic aortic valve. Twenty (47.0%) were nulliparous. The mean aortic diameter in the first trimester was 38.5 (SD 4.9) mm, and that in the third trimester was 38.4 (SD 4.8) mm. Forty (93.0%) women had an aortic diameter of <45 mm; 3 (7.0%) had 45-50 mm; and none had >50 mm. Three women (6.9%) with BAV presented cardiovascular complications during pregnancy or the postpartum period (two prosthetic thrombosis and one heart failure). No aortic complications were reported. There was a small but significant increase in aortic diameter during pregnancy (third trimester vs first trimester, 0.52 (SD 1.08) mm; p=0.03). Obstetric complications appeared in seven (16.3%) of pregnancies, and there were no maternal deaths. Vaginal non-instrumental delivery was performed in 21 (51.2%) out of 41 cases. There were no neonatal deaths, and the mean newborn weight was 3130 g (95% CI 2652 to 3380).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy in BAV women had a low rate of cardiac complications with no aortic complications observed in a small study group. Neither aortic dissection nor need for aortic surgery was reported. A low but significant aortic growth was observed during pregnancy. Although requiring follow-up, the risk of aortic complications in pregnant women with BAV and aortic diameters of <45 mm at baseline is low.

Cardiovascular Complications of Pregnancy

The physiologic changes in pregnancy predispose the pregnant patient to a variety of potential cardiovascular complications. In this article, we discuss the major cardiovascular disorders of pregnancy and their management, highlight specific diagnostic challenges, and discuss new developments in the field. Topics covered in this article include venous thromboembolism, acute myocardial infarction, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and aortic dissection.

Uncommon Female-Predominant Etiologies of Cryptogenic Stroke

The etiologies of cryptogenic stroke are complex and heterogeneous. A number of uncommon etiologies are not fully recognized, some of which predominantly affect females. Most of these etiologies are closely related to the hormonal level, reproductive factors, coagulation function, and medications of females. Moreover, once cryptogenic stroke is diagnosed, females tend to have worse outcomes. Therefore, prompt etiological recognition and treatment are crucial for good recovery. The aim of this article is to review advances in exploring uncommon female-predominant etiologies of cryptogenic stroke. These etiologies are categorized into arterial, cardiac, and venous sources. Arterial vasoconstrictive narrowing, intimal injury, and intimal developmental abnormality can cause brain ischemia or artery-to-artery cerebral embolism. Myocardial contraction dysfunction, cardiac wall injury, and developmental abnormality can induce intracardiac thrombosis and lead to cardiac embolism. In addition, cortical venous thrombosis and occult venous thromboembolism via intracardiac or extracardiac channels also account for cryptogenic stroke in females. Due to the lack of knowledge, in clinical practice, the above etiologies are seldom assessed. The low incidence rate of these etiologies can lead to missed diagnosis. This review will provide novel clinical clues for the etiological diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke and will help to improve the management and secondary prevention of stroke in the female population. In the future, more studies are needed to explore the etiology and prevention strategies of cryptogenic stroke.

Aortic dissection in the first trimester; is it a dead end? A narrative review of recent articles

INTRODUCTION

Acute-type aortic dissection (AD) during pregnancy is considered a rare and potentially fatal complication for both mother and fetus. Although the definite treatment for an acute-type AD is considered to be open-heart surgery, the decision to perform such a surgery during pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach and carries significant risks.

METHODS

In the present review of the literature, we have discussed various challenges in the management of acute-type AD during pregnancy, including therapeutic approaches, choosing the preferred imaging modalities, surgical techniques, and medication challenges. We have also reported an 8-week pregnant woman with Marfan syndrome who presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with acute AD.

RESULTS

The patient underwent a Bentall operation and was discharged in good condition with her fetus alive. The medical team's various decisions during preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatments were discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Type A AD is considered infrequent in the second and third trimester of pregnancy and rare in the first trimester. Performing a CMR study without contrast in stable patients can help evaluate the extension of the flap. Urgent surgery in the hands of a skilled surgeon may prove lifesaving for the mother while maximizing the likelihood of preserving the fetus.

Aortic dissection in pregnancy and the postpartum period

Pregnancy-associated aortic dissection (AD) is a rare event, with an incidence of 0.0004% per pregnancy. The work of the Aortic Dissection Collaborative identified pregnancy-associated AD as a high-priority topic, despite its rarity. The Pregnancy Working Group, which included physicians and patient stakeholders, performed a systematic literature review of pregnancy-associated AD from 1960 to 2021 and identified 6,333 articles through PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science. The inclusion criterion was AD in pregnant populations and exclusion criteria were case reports, conference abstracts, and languages other than English. Assessment of full-text articles for eligibility after removal of duplicates from all databases yielded 68 articles to be included in the final review. Topics included were timing of AD in pregnancy, type of AD, and management considerations of pregnancy-associated AD. The Pregnancy Working Group identified gaps in knowledge and future areas of research for pregnancy-associated AD, including clinical management, mental health outcomes post AD, reproductive and genetic counseling, and contraception after AD. Future collaborative projects could be a multicenter, international registry for all pregnancy-associated AD to refine the risk factors, best practice and management of AD in pregnancy. In addition, future mixed methodology studies may be useful to explore social, mental, and emotional factors related to pregnancy-associated AD and to determine support groups' effect on anxiety and depression related to these events in the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Pregnancy-associated arterial dissections: a nationwide cohort study

AIMS

Pregnancy is a known risk factor for arterial dissection, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality in the peripartum period. However, little is known about the risk factors, timing, distribution, and outcomes of arterial dissections associated with pregnancy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included all women ≥12 years of age with hospitalizations associated with pregnancy and/or delivery in the Nationwide Readmissions Database between 2010 and 2015. The primary outcome was any dissection during pregnancy, delivery, or the postpartum period (42-days post-delivery). Secondary outcomes included timing of dissection, location of dissection, and in-hospital mortality. Among 18 151  897 pregnant patients, 993 (0.005%) patients were diagnosed with a pregnancy-related dissection. Risk factors included older age (32.8 vs. 28.0 years), multiple gestation (3.6% vs. 1.9%), gestational diabetes (14.3% vs. 0.2%), gestational hypertension (6.0% vs. 0.6%), and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (2.7% vs. 0.4%), in addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Of the 993 patients with dissection, 150 (15.1%) dissections occurred in the antepartum period, 232 (23.4%) were diagnosed during the admission for delivery, and 611 (61.5%) were diagnosed in the postpartum period. The most common locations for dissections were coronary (38.2%), vertebral (22.9%), aortic (19.8%), and carotid (19.5%). In-hospital mortality was 3.7% among pregnant patients with a dissection vs. <0.001% in patients without a dissection. Deaths were isolated to patients with an aortic (8.6%), coronary (4.2%), or supra-aortic (<2.5%) dissection.

CONCLUSION

Arterial dissections occurred in 5.5/100 000 hospitalized pregnant or postpartum women, most frequently in the postpartum period, and were associated with high mortality risk. The coronary arteries were most commonly involved. Pregnancy-related dissections were associated with traditional risk factors, as well as pregnancy-specific conditions.

Maternal health and pregnancy outcome in diagnosed and undiagnosed Marfan syndrome: A registry-based study

In Marfan syndrome (MFS), pregnancy is considered as high risk due to the deficiency of fibrillin in the connective tissue and increased risk of aortic dissection. The objective was to demonstrate the consequences on maternal health, in women with diagnosed and undiagnosed MFS at the time of pregnancy and childbirth. By using national health care registries, we identified all pregnancy related outcomes, from women with MFS (n = 183) and an age-matched background population (n = 18,300). We found 91 pregnancies during follow-up. Significantly fewer women with MFS gave birth, compared to the background population. No women with known MFS had a pregnancy related aortic dissection but complications related to the cervix were increased (HR:19.8 [95% CI:2.2-177.5]). Fifty women with MFS were undiagnosed at the time of their first pregnancy and/or childbirth. Among these, there were more birth canal related complications HR:27.2 (95% CI: 2.3-315.0), preeclampsia (HR:2.25 [95% CI: 1.11-4.60]), fetal deaths (HR:12.3 [95% CI: 1.51-99.8]), and all delivery-related dissections came from this subgroup. In conclusion, undiagnosed women with MFS experienced more pregnancy and childbirth related complications including fetal death, birth canal issues, preeclampsia, and aortic disease, which emphasizes the need for an early MFS diagnosis and special care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Epidemiology of aortic dissection

Aortic dissection remains a highly morbid diagnosis. The treatment of aortic dissection has undergone several paradigm shifts since it was first understood. However, despite the robust research in treatment, the epidemiology of aortic dissection is limited. In this review, we discuss the historical perspectives of aortic dissection with a review of risk factors and presentation. We review the trends in incidence during the past 40 years, with consideration for sex, race, and ethnicity in admission. We further focus our discussion of the classically described Type B aortic dissection treatment. Lastly, we review the impact of long-term events, readmissions, cost assessments, and quality of life studies of patients with aortic dissection. Care for those with aortic dissection remains a long-term challenge for providers and a multispecialty approach is needed for complete patient management.

Pernicious pregnancy: Type B aortic dissection in pregnant women

BACKGROUND

Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) occurs seldomly, particularly in pregnancy, but has disastrous consequences for both mother and fetus. The focus of immediate surgical repair of type A aortic dissection due to higher mortality of patients is less clear in its counterpart, TBAD, in which management is controversial and debated. This article collates knowledge so far on this rare event during pregnancy.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, and Medline. Key search terms included "type B aortic dissection," "pregnancy," and corresponding synonyms. Non-English papers were excluded.

RESULTS

Risk factors for TBAD include aortic wall stress due to hypertension, previous cardiac surgery, structural abnormalities (bicuspid aortic valve, aortic coarctation), and connective tissue disorders. In pregnancy, pre-eclampsia is a cause of increased aortic wall stress. Management of this condition is often conservative, but this is dependent on a number of factors, including gestation, cardiovascular stability of the patient, and symptomology. In most cases, a cesarean section before intervention is carried out unless certain indications are present.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to a scarce number of cases across the decades, it is difficult to determine which management is optimal. The gold-standard management of TBAD has traditionally been the medical treatment for uncomplicated cases and open surgery for those needing urgent intervention, but with the advent of techniques, such as thoracic endovascular aortic repair, the management of these group of patients continues to develop.

Valvular Heart Disease in Pregnancy

The number of reproductive age women with valvular heart disease is rising and accounts for one third of all heart disease among pregnant women. Severe, symptomatic left-sided cardiac lesions, particularly mitral and aortic stenosis, and mechanical heart valves, are associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Decreasing maternal and fetal risk requires shared decision-making among patients and the heart team, consisting of obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists, and cardiologists.

Acute aortic dissection during pregnancy: Trials and tribulations

BACKGROUND

Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAD) during pregnancy is a life-threatening event for both the mother and the unborn baby. Pregnancy has been recognized as an independent risk factor for TAAD, postulated to be due to physiological changes that cause hyperdynamic circulation. This review seeks to outline the current controversies around this unique group.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was carried out across large databases to assimilate relevant papers regarding acute aortic dissection in pregnant women.

RESULTS

The presentation can be atypical in many cases and further concern from clinicians of fetal radiation exposure can result in missed or delayed diagnoses. Investigation via the quickest form of imaging, whether computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or transesophageal echocardiography, should be carried out promptly due to the high risk of mortality. Surgical management of TAAD in pregnancy revolves primarily around the decision to deliver the fetus concomitantly or to perform the aortic repair with the fetus in utero.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of this group includes rapid and dynamic assessment without delay. From conception to postpartum, there are multiple stages in which to manage these women. Challenges in carrying out management in the form of operative techniques and cardiopulmonary bypass place the fetus at risk and must be approached with caution, particularly as there is little evidence-base for many of these decisions. Further research into reducing maternal and fetal mortality is necessary.

Contained aortic rupture in a term pregnant patient during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aortic dissection and rupture is a rare occurrence in pregnant and postpartum patients. This case discusses the presentation and diagnosis of a patient with an acute contained thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture at 38 weeks of gestation, after presenting with throat pain and syncope during the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient underwent emergent caesarean delivery for non-reassuring fetal heart tracing, following which continued syncope workup revealed an aortic aneurysm and pericardial effusion. Diagnosis in this case was finalised with multimodality imaging, including transthoracic echocardiogram, and the patient underwent surgical aortic repair.

Aortopathy in Congenital Heart Disease

Aortic dilatation is common in patients with congenital heart disease and is seen in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and those with conotruncal congenital heart defects. It is important to identify patients with bicuspid aortic valve at high risk for aortic dissection. High-risk patients include those with the aortic root phenotype and those with syndromic or familial aortopathies including Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and Turner syndrome. Aortic dilatation is common in patients with conotruncal congenital heart defects and rarely results in aortic dissection.

Challenging report of cardiopulmonary bypass in 16th week pregnant patient with endoventricular mass

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy usually represents a risk factor for aortic dissection or thrombotic events, but therapeutic options are very scarce because the foetus limits the common approaches especially in the early stages of pregnancy.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a challenging case of a young woman in her 16th week of gestation with an history of multiple abortions associated with autoimmune thrombophilia. A strictly designed perioperative management protocol was required to remove a huge right endoventricular mass, due to her decision to not terminate the pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Nowadays the mother, completely healthy, gived birth to her baby so it demonstrates how cardiac surgery, even in complicated circumstances, can be feasible during pregnancy through a multidisciplinary approach.