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Published on: November 24, 2016
Mortality after non-surgically treated acute type A aortic dissection is higher than previously reported
Karl Teurneau-Hermansson1,2, Jacob Ede1,2, Mårten Larsson1,2
1Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Untreated acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) carries a higher mortality rate than previously reported, with a 2.6% hourly mortality in the first 24 hours. This highlights the critical need for prompt diagnosis and emergent surgical intervention for ATAAD patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Aortic Diseases
Background:
- Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a life-threatening condition.
- Existing data on non-surgically treated (NST) ATAAD mortality is limited and potentially outdated.
- The accepted hourly mortality rate of 1-2% in the first 24 hours is based on specific patient cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive review of non-surgically treated (NST) ATAAD cases.
- To provide contemporary and accurate mortality data for NST ATAAD.
- To re-evaluate the commonly accepted mortality rates for untreated ATAAD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, observational study conducted in Southern Sweden over 23 years (1998-2021).
- Inclusion criteria: Patients diagnosed with ATAAD (ICD-9/10 codes).
- Data sourced from regional medical registries, with chart and imaging review for diagnosis confirmation.
Main Results:
- 184 patients with NST ATAAD were identified from 2325 screened patients.
- Mortality rates: 47.3% at 24 hours, 55.0% at 48 hours, 76.7% at 14 days, and 83.9% at 1 year.
- The hourly mortality rate during the first 24 hours was calculated at 2.6%.
Conclusions:
- This study reveals significantly higher mortality rates for NST ATAAD than previously reported.
- The findings underscore the critical importance of rapid diagnosis and immediate surgical management for ATAAD.
- Timely intervention is paramount for improving outcomes in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.
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