Prognostic significance of neutrophil count on in-hospital mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection

Exceptionally rare MINOCA: a case of acute myocardial infarction following surgery for Stanford type A aortic dissection

BACKGROUND

Aortic dissection is a severe cardiovascular condition associated with high mortality rates, particularly in cases of Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD). Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) following surgery for TAAD is rare but potentially fatal.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 69-year-old woman presented with sudden chest pain and was diagnosed with acute TAAD. Emergency surgery was performed, during which complications arose, including significant hemodynamic instability. Despite efforts to manage the patient's condition postoperatively, she developed hemodynamic instability and myocardial infarction, leading to cardiogenic shock. MINOCA was diagnosed based on clinical presentation, echocardiographic findings, and coronary angiography ruling out significant stenosis or occlusion. The patient's condition deteriorated despite aggressive treatment, ultimately resulting in death.

CONCLUSION

MINOCA following surgery for TAAD is a rare but serious complication. Vigilant postoperative monitoring and timely intervention are essential for identifying and managing acute cardiac dysfunction in these patients. Further research is required to improve outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario.

Gastrointestinal bleeding risk factors in type A aortic dissection post-aortic arch replacement

Background

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a notable complication in patients diagnosed with aortic dissection (AD). We evaluated the outcomes and identified the risk factors associated with GIB in patients with AD.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was conducted on patients diagnosed with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) who underwent total aortic arch replacement (TAAR) at our institution from July 2021 to July 2023. Comprehensive clinical data, laboratory findings, and imaging results were meticulously gathered and analyzed to identify potential risk factors linked to GIB in this patient cohort.

Results

Of the 198 AD patients who underwent TAAR, 38 (19.2%) developed postoperative GIB (GIB group), with a median interval of 7 days between surgery and bleeding onset. The GIB group exhibited significantly higher mortality (26.3% vs. 3.1%, P<0.001), prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay {15 [interquartile range (IQR), 8-25] vs. 7 (IQR, 5-12) days, P<0.001}, and extended duration of ventilation [168 (IQR, 120-372) vs. 71 (IQR, 34-148) hours, P<0.001] compared to the control group (n=160, 80.8%). Logistic regression analysis identified age >54 years [odds ratio (OR): 3.529], intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion >600 mL (OR: 3.865), and concomitant celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) hypoperfusion (OR: 15.974) as independent risk factors for GIB in AD patients.

Conclusions

GIB subsequent to TAAR in AD patients is linked to adverse prognosis. Factors such as advanced age, extensive intraoperative transfusion, and gastrointestinal (GI) perfusion abnormalities may heighten the risk of GIB in this patient population.