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Aortic dissection complicated with aorto-right atrium fistula
H Nakano1, Y Takahara, Y Sudou
1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Funabashi Municipal Medical Center, Japan.
The Japanese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery : Official Publication of the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery = Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai Zasshi
|September 26, 2000
Summary
This case report details the successful surgical repair of a rare aorto-right atrium fistula, a complication of ascending aortic dissection. Dense adhesions from prior cardiac surgery were identified as a potential cause.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Aortic Diseases
Background:
- Aorto-right atrium fistula is an exceptionally rare complication of aortic dissection.
- Ascending aortic dissection presents a significant surgical challenge, particularly when complicated by fistulous communication.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male with a history of aortic valve replacement presented with acute chest pain and dyspnea.
- Diagnostic imaging, including echocardiography and cardiac catheterization, confirmed an ascending aortic dissection with a fistula to the right atrium.
Findings:
- Surgical repair of the ascending aortic dissection and aorto-right atrium fistula was successfully performed.
- Intraoperative findings revealed dense adhesions around the aortic root, likely a sequela of previous cardiac surgery, contributing to the fistula formation.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare complications in patients with a history of cardiac surgery presenting with aortic dissection.
- Successful surgical management underscores the feasibility of addressing complex aorto-right atrium fistulas.
- Previous cardiac operations may predispose patients to rare aortic complications, necessitating careful surgical planning.