Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Cardiol Clin. 2017 Aug;35(3):331-345. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2017.03.004. Epub 2017 May 26.

Abstract

Type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency occurring when an intimal tear in the aorta creates a false lumen in the ascending aorta. Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are imperative to optimize outcomes. Surgical repair requires replacement of the ascending aorta with or without aortic root or aortic arch replacement. Surgical outcomes for this highly lethal diagnosis have improved, with contemporary survival to discharge at Centers of Excellence of 85% to 90%. Survival is related to prompt treatment, preexisting medical comorbidities, presence or absence of end organ malperfusion, extent of aortic repair required, and the development of postoperative complications.

Keywords: Aortic dissection; Cardiac surgery; Diagnosis; Management; Outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aorta
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / etiology
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / mortality
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Aortic Dissection / etiology
  • Aortic Dissection / mortality
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery*
  • Humans