Acute aortic dissection complicating pregnancy

Acute aortic dissection occurring during pregnancy represents a lethal risk to both the mother and fetus. Our purpose was to study the prevalence, treatments, and outcome of this rare problem and to suggest therapeutic guidelines.

During the past 12 years, 6 pregnant women were admitted with an acute aortic dissection. Four had a type A and 2 had a type B dissection (Stanford classification).

Two of the 4 patients with a type A dissection underwent a combined emergency operation consisting of first cesarean section and then ascending aortic repair. Cesarean section was carried out 5 days after the emergency procedure on the aorta in the third patient, and 16 weeks later in the fourth patient. All 4 fetuses were delivered alive. One fetus died 6 days later, but the other 3 are alive and well at long-term follow-up. Of the 2 patients with a type B dissection, 1 was operated on for celiac ischemia; the other was treated medically. In both cases the fetus died in utero. There were no maternal deaths in either group.

Cesarean section with concomitant aortic repair is recommended for pregnant women with a type A dissection, depending on the gestational age. The maternal hemodynamic status will determine the sequence of the two procedures. Medical treatment is advised for patients with a type B dissection, but surgical repair is indicated if complications such as bleeding or malperfusion of major side branches occur.