The coral reef aorta - a single centre experience in 70 patients
Dirk Grotemeyer1, Siamak Pourhassan, Hermann Rehbein
1Department of Vascular Surgery and Renal Transplantation.
Summary
Coral reef aorta (CRA) surgery effectively treated associated hypertension and ischemia in most patients. However, the underlying causes of CRA remain unclear despite surgical advancements.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Research
Background:
- Coral reef aorta (CRA) involves severe aortic calcification, leading to stenoses and potential malperfusion.
- CRA can cause serious conditions like renovascular hypertension, visceral ischemia, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review surgical outcomes for patients with coral reef aorta.
- To assess the effectiveness of surgical interventions for CRA-related complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 70 patients treated for CRA between 1984 and 2007.
- Prospective follow-up in an outpatient clinic.
- Surgical treatment primarily involved aortic reconstruction via thromboendarterectomy.
Main Results:
- Renovascular hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (44.3%).
- Peripheral arterial occlusive disease and visceral ischemia affected 40.0% and 24.3% of patients, respectively.
- Surgery was performed in 98.6% of patients, with significant postoperative improvement in 84.2% of those followed up.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment of CRA can lead to significant clinical improvement.
- Despite surgical advances, the pathophysiology and genesis of CRA require further investigation.
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