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Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
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Once after a full moon: acute type A aortic dissection and lunar phases
Henrik Bjursten1, Daniel Oudin Åström2,3, Shahab Nozohoor1
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|January 9, 2022
Summary
Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) surgeries may occur more frequently during the full moon. This study suggests a potential link between lunar phases and ATAAD incidence, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Astronomy
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a critical surgical emergency.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests ATAAD cases may cluster, but this lacks scientific validation.
- The potential influence of lunar cycles on ATAAD incidence remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lunar phases and the incidence of ATAAD.
- To determine if ATAAD surgeries exhibit a pattern related to the full moon.
- To explore potential triggers for ATAAD based on lunar cycles.
Main Methods:
- A case-crossover design was employed, analyzing data from 2995 ATAAD surgery patients.
- Surgical times were cross-referenced with lunar phases, using two definitions for full moon.
- Statistical analysis compared ATAAD incidence during full moon periods versus other lunar phases.
Main Results:
- No significant increase in ATAAD surgery was observed during the precise full moon (99% illumination).
- A statistically significant increase in ATAAD surgery incidence was noted during the 7-day full moon period (RR 1.08, P=0.057).
- A higher relative risk for ATAAD was found when comparing full moon to waxing moon phases (RR 1.11, P=0.027), with peak incidence 4-6 days post-full moon.
Conclusions:
- This study indicates an overrepresentation of ATAAD surgeries during the full moon phase.
- The underlying mechanism remains speculative, possibly involving sleep deprivation, increased blood pressure, and aortic wall rupture.
- Further research is required to confirm these findings and elucidate their clinical significance.
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