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[Dissection of the aorta complicated by aorto-pulmonary fistula]
L Leborgne1, F Trojette, G Jarry
1Service de cardiologie, CHU Amiens, hôpital Sud, avenue René-Laennec, 80054 Amiens.
Insights
Chronic aortic dissection presenting as congestive heart failure was diagnosed using transesophageal echocardiography. Surgical repair of the aortic fistula and ascending aorta replacement led to a favorable outcome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Chronic aortic dissection is a rare condition.
- Congestive cardiac failure can be an atypical presentation of aortic dissection.
Observation:
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was crucial for initial diagnosis.
- TEE identified both aortic dissection and aortopulmonary fistula.
Findings:
- Aortography confirmed the diagnosis of aortic dissection and fistula.
- Surgical intervention involved fistula suture and ascending aorta replacement.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of aortic dissection with atypical presentations is vital.
- Surgical management offers a favorable prognosis for chronic aortic dissection with aortopulmonary fistula.
Abstract:
The authors report the case of chronic dissection of the aorta presenting with congestive cardiac failure. The diagnosis was made for the first time by transoesophageal echocardiography which showed both the dissection of the aorta and its fistulalisation into the pulmonary artery. Aortography confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent surgery which consisted of suture of the fistula and replacement of the ascending aorta with a prosthetic tube. The outcome was favourable after 8 months follow-up.