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Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Acute type a aortic dissection in a 36-week pregnant patient
Erol Kohli1, Sharhabeel Jwayyed, Gary Giorgio
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Summa Akron City Hospital, 525 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44309, USA.
Case Reports in Emergency Medicine
|June 20, 2013
Summary
Acute type A aortic dissection in late pregnancy is rare but life-threatening. This case highlights successful emergent surgical repair in a 36-week gravid patient, improving survival outcomes for aortic dissection during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Aortic dissection is a critical cardiovascular emergency with high mortality.
- While hypertension is a common risk factor in older adults, younger individuals may have underlying connective tissue disorders, bicuspid aortic valves, or a family history.
- Acute type A aortic dissection during the third trimester of pregnancy is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases of successful emergent surgical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of acute type A aortic dissection in a patient at 36 weeks of gestation.
- To emphasize the successful emergent surgical repair in a gravid patient.
- To contribute to the limited literature on managing aortic dissection in late pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify existing cases of type A aortic dissection in pregnant patients.
- Detailed clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, and surgical intervention for a 41-year-old female with acute type A aortic dissection at 36 weeks gestation were documented.
- The surgical approach and perioperative management were critically assessed.
Main Results:
- The patient, presenting at 36 weeks gestation with symptoms of acute type A aortic dissection, underwent successful emergent surgical repair.
- The diagnosis was confirmed, and timely surgical intervention was performed, leading to a positive outcome for both mother and fetus.
- This case represents a successful management of a life-threatening condition in a high-risk obstetric population.
Conclusions:
- Emergent surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection is feasible and can be successful even in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration between cardiothoracic surgery and obstetrics is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
- Increased awareness and prompt diagnosis are vital for improving survival rates in gravid patients with aortic dissection.
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