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Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Catheter directed diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction induced by type A aortic dissection: A case
Chi-Yao Huang1,2, Yu-Po Hung1, Tzu-Hsiang Lin1
1Division of Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung.
Insights
A significant pressure difference between the aorta and radial artery during catheterization can indicate type A aortic dissection (TAAD)-related myocardial infarction. This finding aids early diagnosis of this life-threatening condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a critical condition often presenting with diagnostic challenges.
- TAAD can involve the coronary arteries, leading to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
- Delayed diagnosis of TAAD-STEMI can result in suboptimal patient management, such as proceeding with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male presented with chest pain and hypotension, diagnosed with STEMI.
- During primary percutaneous coronary intervention, a significant pressure gradient (20 mm Hg) was noted between the ascending aorta and radial artery.
- This pressure differential raised suspicion for TAAD.
Findings:
- Angiography and CT confirmed TAAD.
- The patient's outcome was mortality due to extensive dissection and shock.
- A marked pressure difference between the radial and ascending aortae during catheterization served as a crucial diagnostic clue for TAAD-related myocardial infarction.
Implications:
- The radial-aortic pressure gradient is a valuable, easily obtainable diagnostic marker for TAAD-STEMI.
- Early recognition of this pressure differential can expedite diagnosis and appropriate management of aortic dissection.
- This case highlights the importance of considering TAAD in patients presenting with STEMI and atypical hemodynamic findings.
Rationale:
Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening disorder yet it is hard to diagnose. The dissection might extend to the coronary artery causing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Physicians might not recognize this particularly early in its presentation and patients proceed to receive the primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We present such a case and found that the marked pressure difference between the radial and ascending aortae could be a useful clue for diagnosing the aortic dissection-related myocardial infarction.
Patient Concerns:
A 58-year-old male was presented to our emergency department for the complaint of left side chest pain that lasted for an hour with concomitant hypotension. STEMI was diagnosed at that time.
Diagnosis:
The emergent primary percutaneous intervention was performed. When the diagnostic catheter was advanced to the ascending aorta, the systolic aorta pressure became 20 mm Hg higher than radial systolic pressure. Due to the abnormally large pressure differential between the peripheral radial artery and central ascending aorta, TAAD was suspected.
Interventions:
After angiography and computer tomography confirmed the diagnosis of TAAD, the patient was sent for emergent surgery.
Outcomes:
The patient was died because of extensive dissection and shock.
Lessons:
We present such a case and found that the marked pressure difference between the radial and ascending aortae during catheterization could be a useful clue for diagnosing the aortic dissection-related myocardial infarction. This clue had hinted our speedy examination of the occluded coronary artery and dissection flap, and led to an early and accurate diagnosis.
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