Acute aortic dissection type A discloses Corpus alienum

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition involving a tear in the aorta's inner layer.
• Corpus alienum (foreign body) in the heart or great vessels is exceptionally rare.
• Delayed complications from retained surgical materials can manifest years after the initial procedure.

Observation:

• A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of aortic dissection.
• Intraoperative findings revealed a corpus alienum (three gauze compresses) compressing the right ventricle.
• The gauze compresses were significantly adhered, indicating a long-standing presence.

Findings:

• The patient had an aortic type A dissection complicated by the presence of a foreign body.
• Surgical intervention involved aortic root replacement with a modified Bentall procedure under deep hypothermia.
• Successful resection of the adhered gauze compresses was achieved along with coronary artery re-implantation.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for long-term, severe complications from retained surgical foreign bodies.
• It underscores the importance of meticulous surgical technique and intraoperative awareness to prevent retained materials.
• The successful management demonstrates the feasibility of complex aortic repair even in the presence of unusual complications.