Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
06:26
Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
750
Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Complicated by COVID-19 Infection
Thomas Martens1, Yannick Vande Weygaerde2, Joris Vermassen3
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 22, 2020
Summary
Surgical treatment for acute aortic dissection is feasible in patients with COVID-19. Despite a complicated postoperative course with pneumonia, the patient recovered successfully, demonstrating the viability of urgent aortic surgery during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute type A aortic dissection requires urgent surgical intervention.
- The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for managing surgical emergencies.
- Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 can complicate patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A patient with acute type A aortic dissection tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
- Postoperative course was complicated by mixed viral and bacterial pneumonia with bilateral infiltration.
- The patient received antibiotics and hydroxychloroquine for pneumonia treatment.
Findings:
- The patient did not require reintubation despite severe pneumonia.
- Successful surgical management of acute aortic dissection was achieved in a COVID-19 positive patient.
- Complete recovery and discharge were possible.
Implications:
- This case highlights the feasibility of performing emergency aortic surgery in patients with active COVID-19.
- Aggressive management of postoperative complications is crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Surgical teams can manage acute aortic disease in COVID-19 patients effectively.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
280
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
280
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
177
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
177
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
132
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
132
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
323
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
323
01:25Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
267
Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
267
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
200
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
200