Classic Aortic Dissection Research Articles

Clinical and imaging differences between Stanford Type B intramural hematoma-like lesions and classic aortic dissection

BackgroundIntramural hematoma (IMH) and Aortic dissection (AD) have overlapping features. The aim of this study was to explore the differences between them by comparing the clinical manifestations and imaging features of patients with acute Stanford type B IMH-like lesions and acute Stanford type B AD (ATBAD).MethodsThis study retrospectively analysed the clinical and computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging data of 42 IMH-like lesions patients with ulcer-like projection (ULP) and 38 ATBAD patients, and compared their clinical and imaging features.Results(1) The IMH-like lesions patients were older than the ATBAD patients (64.2 ± 11.5 vs. 50.9 ± 12.2 years, P < 0.001). The D-dimer level in the IMH-like lesions group was significantly higher than that in the ATBAD group (11.2 ± 3.6 vs. 9.2 ± 4.5 mg/L, P < 0.05). The incidence rate of back pain was significantly higher in the ATBAD group than in the IMH-like lesions group (71.1% vs. 26.2%, P < 0.05). (2) The ULPs of IMH-like lesions and the intimal tears of ATBAD were concentrated in zone 4 of the descending thoracic aorta. The ULPs of IMH-like lesions and the intimal tears of ATBAD were mainly in the upper quadrant outside the lumen (64.3% vs. 65.8%, P > 0.05). (3) The maximum diameter of the ULPs in IMH-like lesions was smaller than that of the intimal tears in ATBAD (7.4 ± 3.4 vs. 10.8 ± 6.8 mm, P = 0.005). The lumen compression ratio in the ULPs plane and the maximum compression ratio of the aortic lumen in the IMH-like lesions group were smaller than that in the ADBAD group (P < 0.05). Fewer aortic segments were involved in IMH-like lesions patients than in ATBAD patients (5.6 ± 2.2 vs. 7.1 ± 1.9 segments, P < 0.005). The IMH-like lesions group had less branch involvement than that of the ATBAD group (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe degree of intimal tears, lumen compression ratio, extent of lesion involvement, and impact on branch arteries in ATBAD are more severe than that of IMH-like lesions. But for the ULPs of IMH-like lesions and intimal tears of ATBAD, they have astonishing similarities in the location of the partition and the lumen quadrant, we have reason to believe that intimal tear is the initial factor in the pathogenesis of this kind of disease, and their clinical and imaging manifestations overlap, but the severity is different. Concerning similarities between these two conditions, these two may be a spectrum of one disease.

Aortic Intramural Hematoma Mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome

Type A Aortic intramural haematoma (IMH), a variant form of classic aortic dissection, has been accepted as an increasingly recognised and potentially fatal entity of acute aortic syndrome.It is a very dangerous, fatal, and emergency condition. It is very important to recognize the symptoms of acute aortic syndrome related to appropriate management Case Illustration A 52 year old man patient suffered from chest pain with moderate intensity while he was working at home. It was sharp , tear-like sensation, in the middle of the chest radiated to the back, accompanied with cold sweating, and did not relieve by rest. Because of this condition he brought to hospital. From examination at Emergency room, he had cardiomegaly, aortic dilatation. From the Electrocardiography an st elevation at V1-V2 and T inverted V4-V6 precordial lead,I aVL extremities lead and slightly elevated cardiac enzymes with risk factors for active smoking and uncontrolled hypertension. Initially he was suspected of having acute coronary syndrome with differential diagnose acute aortic syndrome. To exclude the diagnose he had underwent cardiac catheterization, the cardiologist in charge suspicious this patient with aortic dissection because of trapping contrast durante procedure and coronary minor disease. For a better diagnosis, transtransthoracic echocardiography and Aortic Computed Tomography angiography was performed on the patient which confirmed the evidence of dissection. After being diagnosed, we treat the patient as an acute aortic syndrome and we stabilize the patient's condition. The patient was planned for cardiac surgery Discussion Acute aortic syndrome, which includes Acute Aortic Dissection, Intramural Hematoma and penetrating aortic ulcer, is difficult to diagnosed. Aortic intramural hematoma, which is one of the acute aortic syndromes, is characterized by the presence of a hematoma in the medial layer of the aortic wall without the appearance of an intimal tear. The incidence of intramural hematoma differs slightly from that of aortic dissection syndrome. Patients with intramural hematomas often occur in older patients, more often with aortic aneurysms The patient receive treatment aggressively to control blood pressure by administering a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker intravenously and then beta blocker, angiotensin II receptor blockers, was also needed. Acute aortic syndrome, where an intramural aortic hematoma can present with varying symptoms of varying severity, which can lead to misdiagnosis and delay in cases of life-threatening disease. In the case of our patient, who had strong cardiac risk factors, His initial presentation described an acute myocardial infarction; the diagnosis was made after CT scan was performed and the patient remained stable Conclussion Complaints of chest pain due to symptoms of acute aortic syndrome are very important to be recognized immediately because they need proper management. Complaints in this syndrome have similarities with complaints in acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism and others. Patients with aortic intramural hematoma are at high risk for developing periaortic hematoma and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. In patients with an intramural aortic hematoma, Stanford A, the most appropriate management is surgical technique. Initial management of blood pressure control, heart rate and anti-pain can be given. In this case, the choice of a combination of surgery with endovascular may be a logical choice of therapy

A Wolf in Wolf's Clothing? The Complexities of Decision Involved with Acute Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Intervention for Penetrating Aortic Ulcer and Intramural Hematoma

This article provides a case and reviews the considerations involved in acute endovascular stent for penetrating aortic ulcers (PAU)/intramural hematoma (IMH). This case aims to highlight the decision-making and considerations in the acute endovascular management of a patient presenting with PAU and associated IMH. The literature was reviewed including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Embase. Acute aortic syndrome encompasses a spectrum of aortic disease ranging from aortic dissection to PAU and IMH. Whilst classical aortic dissection has been well studied, the PAU/IMH subset of this population is exceedingly rare. Only a handful of case reports have reported on technical considerations for repair. Despite limited natural history data, growing evidence suggests a more aggressive stance is warranted to prevent progression to rupture and late aortic-related mortality. This pathology poses unique challenges in anatomical and technical considerations of repair.

Sex-Related Differences in Clinical Features and In-Hospital Outcomes of Type B Acute Aortic Dissection: A Registry Study.

BackgroundThe association between female sex and poor outcomes following surgery for type A acute aortic dissection has been reported; however, sex‐related differences in clinical features and in‐hospital outcomes of type B acute aortic dissection, including classic aortic dissection and intramural hematoma, remain to be elucidated.Methods and ResultsWe studied 2372 patients with type B acute aortic dissection who were enrolled in the Tokyo Acute Aortic Super‐Network Registry. There were fewer and older women than men (median age [interquartile range]: 76 years [66–84 years], n=695 versus 68 years [57–77 years], n=1677; P<0.001). Women presented to the aortic centers later than men. Women had a higher proportion of intramural hematoma (63.7% versus 53.7%, P<0.001), were medically managed more frequently (90.9% versus 86.3%, P=0.002), and had less end‐organ malperfusion (2.4% versus 5.7%, P<0.001) and higher in‐hospital mortality (5.3% versus 2.7%, P=0.002) than men. In multivariable analysis, age (per year, odds ratio [OR], 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03–1.08]; P<0.001), hyperlipidemia (OR, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.13–3.88]; P=0.019), painlessness (OR, 2.59 [95% CI, 1.14–5.89]; P=0.023), shock/hypotension (OR, 2.93 [95% CI, 1.21–7.11]; P=0.017), non–intramural hematoma (OR, 2.31 [95% CI, 1.32–4.05]; P=0.004), aortic rupture (OR, 26.6 [95% CI, 14.1–50.0]; P<0.001), and end‐organ malperfusion (OR, 4.61 [95% CI, 2.11–10.1]; P<0.001) were associated with higher in‐hospital mortality, but was not female sex (OR, 1.67 [95% CI, 0.96–2.91]; P=0.072).ConclusionsWomen affected with type B acute aortic dissection were older and had more intramural hematoma, a lower incidence of end‐organ malperfusion, and higher in‐hospital mortality than men. However, female sex was not associated with in‐hospital mortality after multivariable adjustment.

Automated Stanford classification of aortic dissection using a 2-step hierarchical neural network at computed tomography angiography.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of automatic Stanford classification of classic aortic dissection (AD) using a 2-step hierarchical neural network. Between 2015 and 2019, 130 arterial phase series (57 type A, 43 type B, and 30 negative cases) in aortic CTA were collected for the training and validation. A 2-step hierarchical model was built including the first step detecting AD and the second step predicting the probability (0-1) of Stanford types. The model's performance was evaluated with an off-line prospective test in 2020. The sensitivity and specificity for Stanford type A, type B, and no AD (Sens A, B, N and Spec A, B, N, respectively) and Cohen's kappa were reported. Of 298 cases (22 with type A, 29 with type B, and 247 without AD) in the off-line prospective test, the Sens A, Sens B, and Sens N were 95.45% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77.16-99.88%), 79.31% (95% CI, 60.28-92.01%), and 93.52% (95% CI, 89.69-96.25%), respectively. The Spec A, Spec B, and Spec N were 98.55% (95% CI, 96.33-99.60%), 94.05% (95% CI, 90.52-96.56%), and 94.12% (95% CI, 83.76-98.77%), respectively. The classification rate achieved 92.28% (95% CI, 88.64-95.04%). The Cohen's kappa was 0.766 (95% CI, 0.68-0.85; p < 0.001). Stanford classification of classic AD can be determined by a 2-step hierarchical neural network with high sensitivity and specificity of type A and high specificity in type B and no AD. • The Stanford classification for aortic dissection is widely adopted and divides it into Stanford type A and type B based on the ascending thoracic aorta dissected or not. • The 2-step hierarchical neural network for Stanford classification of classic aortic dissection achieved high sensitivity (95.45%) and specificity (98.55%) of type A and high specificity in type B and no aortic dissection (94.05% and 94.12%, respectively) in 298 test cases. • The 2-step hierarchical neural network demonstrated moderate agreement (Cohen's kappa: 0.766, p < 0.001) with cardiovascular radiologists in detection and Stanford classification of classic aortic dissection in 298 test cases.

Acute Limited Intimal Tear of the Right Aortic Sinus.

HomeRadiology: Cardiothoracic ImagingVol. 3, No. 6 Previous Images in Cardiothoracic ImagingFree AccessVascular ImagingAcute Limited Intimal Tear of the Right Aortic SinusLucas de Pádua Gomes de Farias , Márcio Campos Sampaio, José Honório de Almeida Palma da Fonseca, Luciana de Pádua Silva BaptistaLucas de Pádua Gomes de Farias , Márcio Campos Sampaio, José Honório de Almeida Palma da Fonseca, Luciana de Pádua Silva BaptistaAuthor AffiliationsFrom the UnitedHealth Group Brazil, Hospital Samaritano Paulista, Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio 1895, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP 01317-002, Brazil.Address correspondence to L.d.P.G.d.F. (e-mail: [email protected]).Lucas de Pádua Gomes de Farias Márcio Campos SampaioJosé Honório de Almeida Palma da FonsecaLuciana de Pádua Silva BaptistaPublished Online:Dec 2 2021https://doi.org/10.1148/ryct.210239MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In Limited intimal tears (LITs) are uncommon but potentially lethal lesions within the dissection spectrum, occurring in approximately 5% of patients presenting with acute aortic syndrome (1). LITs are classified as a “class 3 of intimal tear” and represented by intimomedial tears with an eccentric aortic wall bulge but without substantial hematoma (2). While the edges of an LIT can be undermined to a variable degree and filled with small amounts of blood or clot, there is no propagation of the dissection plane along the aorta and no exit tear and double-barrel flow channel as in classic aortic dissection (1,3). LITs may evade identification at transesophageal echocardiography or CT because of the limited extent of undermined intimal layers and a minimal amount of blood in the dissected aortic wall. This imaging pitfall can result in progression of dissection, cardiac tamponade, or aortic rupture causing potentially lethal outcomes (1,2,4). Furthermore, the diagnosis of LITs may be missed if conventional diagnostic criteria that are dependent on the presence of an intimal flap are applied (4). Awareness of this entity, high index of suspicion at CT angiography with use of appropriate reconstruction techniques for the aortic root may allow timely patient management (1) (Figure).Images in a 62-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain. (A) Short-axis view of the aortic root, (B) three-chamber view, (C–E) three-dimensional volume-rendered images, and (F) intraoperative view after median sternotomy with extracorporeal circulation show an eccentric bulge of the right aortic sinus (R) with the presence of a focal limited tear (arrowhead). This is represented by focal linear “flaps” with undermined edges, as a bandlike outpouching where the right coronary artery (RCA) took off. The patient underwent graft replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve replacement. AA = ascending aorta, LA = left atrium, LV = left ventricle, LM = left main artery, R/L/NC = right/left/noncoronary aortic sinus.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Disclosures of conflicts of interest: L.d.P.G.d.F. No relevant relationships. M.C.S. No relevant relationships. J.H.d.A.P.d.F. No relevant relationships. L.d.P.S.B. No relevant relationships.Keywords: CT Angiography, Vascular, Aortic RootAuthors declared no funding for this work.

Iatrogenic Aortic Root Injury from Coronary Interventions: Early and Follow-up CT Imaging Findings.

Aortic injury represents a rare but potentially fatal complication of invasive coronary angiography. The authors present a series of four patients with aortic injury after invasive coronary angiography and intervention (mean age, 71 years; three women). In three patients, CT showed subintimal staining from undiluted contrast media (CM) in the aortic root with no communication to the aortic lumen. Short-term follow-up CT showed resolution of CM staining in all patients. Classic aortic dissection occurred in one patient, with undiluted CM from invasive angiography in the false lumen in the aortic root. Preliminary evidence suggests that iatrogenic injury from invasive coronary angiography resulting in subintimal CM staining of the aortic wall at CT, without evidence of communication with the lumen of the aortic root, shows favorable short-term outcome. Keywords: CT Angiography, Percutaneous, Fluoroscopy Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2021.

Aortic enlargement in two weeks is associated with subsequent aortic events in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome

ObjectivesTo determine whether aortic enlargement in 2 weeks in patients with type B acute aortic syndrome is associated with aorta-related adverse events. MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study included 183 patients who were diagnosed with uncomplicated type B acute aortic syndrome (classic aortic dissection and intramural hematoma) between 2010 and 2019 and had follow-up computed tomography at second or third week. Aortic diameter was measured at admission and at predischarge follow-up. Aorta-related adverse events were defined by a composite of aortic rupture, surgical or endovascular aortic repair, redissection, severe intestinal malperfusion, and aortic enlargement. ResultsThe patients whose aortic diameter enlarged ≥2 mm but <5 mm in 2 weeks were categorized as moderate aortic enlargement group. During follow-up, 51 patients (28%) had aorta-related adverse events and 36 patients (20%) had moderate aortic enlargement. Patients with moderate aortic enlargement showed lower aorta-related event-free survival rates than those without moderate enlargement (48 ± 9% vs 90 ± 3% at 1 year, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, moderate aortic enlargement (subhazard ratio, 3.64; 95% confidence interval, 2.08-6.35; P < .001) and aortic diameter ≥40 mm at admission (subhazard ratio, 2.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-5.48; P < .001) were associated with aorta-related adverse events. ConclusionsModerate aortic enlargement in 2 weeks is a significant risk factor of aorta-related adverse events in patients with uncomplicated type B acute aortic syndrome. Patients with moderate aortic enlargement should be followed up carefully and may be candidates for subsequent endovascular treatment.

Time is of the essence: where can we improve care in acute aortic dissection?

In acute aortic dissection type A various components of the diagnostic and logistic pathways may affect the time to definitive treatment. This study aimed to characterize these components and to identify factors delaying the optimal management within our institutional referral network. Between January 2017 and January 2020, 96 consecutive patients with classical aortic dissection type A were admitted (28%) or referred (72%) to our tertiary care centre and analysed retrospectively. Data are presented as medians (25th-75th quartile). Median age was 66 years (56-74), 63% were male. Most of the patients were primarily admitted to a cardiology department (40%), whereas about a fourth were admitted to departments for internal medicine (26%) and general surgery (27%). The median interval from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission was 2.1 (1-4.4) h. From admission to confirmed diagnosis it took 2.1 (0.6-9.5) h and the median interval from confirmed diagnosis to admission at our specialized tertiary care aortic centre was 1.5 (0.9-2.4) h. Following admission to our centre, 1.1 (0.5-1.9) h passed until the induction of anaesthesia and 0.8 (0.0-1.1) h until the start of surgery. The total interval from the onset of symptoms to the start of surgery was 7.6 h (5.1-12.3). The marked variability of the time from symptoms to diagnosis at any medical facility demonstrates the importance of awareness in the optimization of the treatment of acute aortic dissection type A.

Chest CT Angiography for Acute Aortic Pathologic Conditions: Pearls and Pitfalls

Chest CT angiography (CTA) is essential in the diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes. Chest CTA quality can be optimized with attention to technical parameters pertaining to noncontrast imaging, timing of contrast-enhanced imaging, contrast material volume, kilovolt potential, tube-current modulation, and decisions regarding electrocardiographic-gating and ultra-fast imaging, which may affect the accurate diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes. An understanding of methods to apply to address suboptimal image quality is useful, as the accurate identification of acute aortic syndromes is essential for appropriate patient management. Acute aortic syndromes have high morbidity and mortality, particularly when involving the ascending aorta, and include classic aortic dissection, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, and acute intramural hematoma. An understanding of the pathogenesis and distinguishing imaging features of acute aortic syndromes and aortic rupture and some less common manifestations is helpful when interpreting imaging examinations. Related entities, such as ulcerated plaque, ulcerlike projections, and intramural blood pools, and mimics, such as vasculitis and aortic thrombus, are important to recognize; knowledge of these is important to avoid interpretive pitfalls. In addition, an awareness of postsurgical aortic changes can be useful when interpreting CTA examinations when patient history is incomplete. The authors review technical considerations when performing CTA, discuss acute aortic syndromes, and highlight diagnostic challenges encountered when interpreting aortic CTA examinations. ©RSNA, 2021.

Abstract 15182: Acute Complications of Type B Aortic Intramural Hematoma Compared With Classic Aortic Dissection

Introduction: Although acute type B aortic intramural hematoma (B-IMH) is a variant of acute aortic syndrome having similar clinical demographics to type B classic aortic dissection (B-AD), early clinical course including acute complications are not well investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate early clinical course and acute complications of B-IMH in comparison with that of B-AD. Methods: Clinical features and early clinical course including acute complications were retrospectively analyzed in 270 B-IMH and 177 B-AD consecutive patients who were admitted to our hospital between 1991 and 2020. Acute complications were defined as rupture, impending rupture, re-dissection, and visceral and leg ischemia. Results: As compared with B-AD, B-IMH presented at older age (72±11 vs 62±15 years; p&amp;lt;0.001), predominantly in females (37% vs 25%). During in-hospital courses, limb ischemia and mesenteric ischemia were less common in patients with B-IMH than those with B-AD (0.4% versus 5.1%, p=0.003, 0.4% versus 2.8%, p=0.03; respectively). In contrast, spinal ischemia was more common in B-IMH patients (2.4% versus 0.6%, p=0.05). Aortic rupture and impending rupture were comparable between B-IMH and B-AD patients (5.9% versus 7.3%. p=0.28). Besides, re-dissection was also comparable between two groups (2.2% versus 5.1%, p=0.06). As a result, prevalence of acute complications was significantly lower in patients with B-IMH (8.8% versus 17%, p=0.008). In-hospital mortality rate in B-IMH was significantly lower than that in B-AD (0.4% versus 9.0%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions: Although patients with B-IMH had lower in-hospital mortality rates than patients with B-AD, significant portion of B-IMH patients had fatal complications including spinal ischemia or aortic rupture. Patients with B-IMH should be carefully observed as well as patients with B-AD patients.

Abstract 13675: Impact of Antithrombotic Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Type B Acute Aortic Syndrome

Introduction: In type B acute aortic syndrome (B-AAS), degree of false lumen thrombosis is known to affect clinical outcome. Antithrombotic therapy might have impact on prognosis through affecting false lumen thrombosis.We aimed to assess the impact of antithrombotic therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with B-AAS. Methods: A total of 429 patients with acute B-AAS admitted to our hospital and discharged alive were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was aorta-related adverse events, defined as a composite of aorta-related death, aortic rupture, surgical or endovascular aortic repair and progressive aortic dilation. Results: Of the 429 patients, 72 patients (17 %) were discharged with antithrombotic therapy and 357 (83 %) without antithrombotic therapy. 254 patients (59 %) presented with intramural hematoma with complete thrombosis of false lumen, and 175 (41 %) presented with classic aortic dissection. Reasons for prescription were coronary artery disease (n=25), cerebral ischemia (n=17) and others (n=30). In the antithrombotic group, patients were significantly older than no-antithrombotic group (73 ± 13 vs 67 ± 13 years, P= 0.001) and had more comorbidities such as dyslipidemia (40 % vs 26 %, P= 0.011), diabetes mellitus (22 % vs 11 %, P= 0.007) and coronary artery disease (36 % vs 5 %, P&lt; 0.001). During a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 5.2 years, 37 patients (51 %) in the antithrombotic group and 98 patients (27 %) in the no-antithrombotic group had a primary outcome event. Event-free survival rate among antithrombotic versus no-antithrombotic group was 36 % vs 73 % at 5 years (P&lt; 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity and medication revealed that antithrombotic therapy was a significant risk factor for aorta-related adverse events (hazard ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.247-3.463; P= 0.005). Conclusion: In B-AAS, antithrombotic therapy was associated with an increased risk of aorta-related events. For patients with indispensable need of antithrombotic therapy, careful follow-up should be provided.

Imaging in acute aortic syndrome: not just dissection

Acute aortic syndrome includes three main pathological conditions: aortic dissection (AD), intramural hematoma (IMH) and penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU). These are life-threatening conditions, therefore early diagnosis and interventional/surgical treatment are fundamental for the survival of affected individuals. While anatomical findings of classical AD provided by imaging techniques are known to all cardiologists, imaging findings of IMH and PAU are less known, as are their prognostic implications and consequences on management and treatment strategies. This review aims to describe and discuss findings and role of imaging techniques in patients with IMH and PAU.

Acute type A aortic intramural hematoma and type A aortic dissection: correlation between the intimal tear features and pathogenesis.

To determine the prevalence, clinical and imaging features of intimal tear detected by ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and confirmed by surgery in patients with acute type A intramural hematoma (ATAIMH) and acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD). This retrospective study involved analysis of the intimal tear characteristics in 72 consecutive patients with ATAIMH and 209 with AAAD who were diagnosed by MDCT. The size and location of the intimal tear were measured and compared between these two groups of patients. The findings were also compared with those from 28 patients with ATAIMH who underwent surgical treatment to determine the intimal tear features as observed on CT angiography (CTA). Patients in the ATAIMH group were significantly older than those in the AAAD group (58.6±11.3 vs. 49.4±12.8 years, P<0.001), and females were predominant in the former category (ATAIMH vs. AAAD: 44.4% vs. 27.8%, P<0.01). Marfan syndrome and pregnancy were associated with most of the occurrences of AAAD. Sixty-four patients (88.9%) with ATAIMH were recognized as having intimal tear in the CTA images. The number of aortic segments in the ATAIMH patients was smaller than that in the AAAD patients (4.45±1.56 vs. 5.04±1.72 segments, P<0.01). The distribution of the intimal tear did not show any difference between the two groups. During the surgery, pericardial hemorrhage was observed in a higher proportion of patients in the ATAIMH than in the AAAD group (60.7% vs. 22.1%; P<0.01). In the former category, all of the intimal tears detected using CTA were confirmed during the operation, and the size was significantly larger than measured on the CTA images (6.95±5.12 vs. 19.59±6.51 mm, P<0.001). Six ATAIMH patients progressed to classical aortic dissection (AD) at surgery. Patients with ATAIMH have a high prevalence of intimal tear, which is significantly smaller than that measured in patients with classic AAAD. Just like AD, ATAIMH may also be triggered by intimal tear. Hence, timely surgical repair is needed.

Correlational analyses between the production of anti-nuclear antibodies and biomarkers of acute aortic syndrome

ObjectiveMarkers of serological autoimmunity such as anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are noted in approximately 14.01% of the Chinese population. The vast majority will do not have clinical autoimmune disease. However, the possible influence of antinuclear antibodies in acute aortic syndromes (AAS) has not been elucidated. MethodsThe study group included 77 patients who underwent AAS. Serum levels of antinuclear (ANA) were tested. Patients detailed data on AAS risk factors and markers of subclinical index (including C-reactive protein, D-dimmer, Glucose, Creatine kinase) were available. Results: Of the 77 patients with AAS, 40 had classic acute aortic dissection 29 variants intramural hematoma (IMH) and 8 penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). Among the control group, 12/76 (15.8%) were ANA positive. In marked contrast, among the study subjects 30/77 (39.0%) were ANA positive. There is a higher incidence of ANA positivity among the study group than among the control group (p = 0.001). The presence of ANAs was related to the occurrence of AAS (r = 0.224, p = 0.005). Meanwhile, the positive ANAs were correlated with atherosclerosis (r = 0.167, p = 0.039), the red blood cell count (r = −0.245, p = 0.002) and C-reactive protein (r = 0.181, p = 0.042). ConclusionsOur results indicate that ANA positivity is associated with incidence of AAS, especially the incidence of intramural hematoma (IMH), suggesting that mechanisms resulting in ANA production may be involved in the development of AAS.

P2787Gender differences in acute type B aortic dissection

Abstract Background The incidence of aortic dissection has been reported to be lower in women; however, women have a poor prognosis. Also, the incidence of false lumen thrombosis has been reported to be different between Europe, the United States, and Japan. We aimed to determine gender differences in long-term prognosis of acute type B aortic dissection. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 220 consecutive patients hospitalized for acute type B aortic dissection between January 2012 to December 2017. After exclusion criteria of unknown onset time, &gt;14 days after the onset, in-hospital death, and aortic events requiring additional treatment during hospitalization were applied, 186 patients were analyzed by gender: 133 men and 53 women. The patient background, treatment method, prognosis, and outcome were compared and examined. Results Both the proportions of smoking history and patients receiving oxygen therapy during hospitalization were significantly higher in men (59% vs. 22%, p&lt;0.01; 91% vs. 72%, p&lt;0.01, respectively), whereas that of classical aortic dissection was similar between men and women (41% vs. 32%, p=0.36). The avoidance rate of a composite of all deaths and aortic events 2 years after discharge was similar (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.52 to 1.59; p=0.966).(Picture1) Picture 1 Conclusion The long-term prognosis of acute type B aortic dissection treated by medical therapy during hospitalization was equivalent in men and women despite gender differences in several background factors.

Misdiagnosed Aortic Intramural Hematoma and the Role of Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging in Detection of Acute Aortic Syndrome: A Case Report

Acute aortic syndrome includes classic aortic dissection, aortic intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer – a group of conditions that are defined by their dynamic evolution and similar clinical manifestation. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential as all the aforementioned conditions are a significant threat to a patient’s life. However, acute aortic syndrome and especially aortic intramural hematoma may be challenging diagnostic problems. Intravascular ultrasound imaging is a diagnostic method that can be useful for more thorough evaluation of the aortic lesion and can particularly aid in discerning the different forms of acute aortic syndrome. We present a case of a patient with aortic intramural hematoma that was missed by conventional imaging studies but was successfully visualized with intravascular ultrasound imaging.

Evolution and prognosis of intramural aortic hematoma. Insights from a midterm cohort study

BackgroundAlthough several hypotheses have been proposed, the true origin and pathogenesis of aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) remain unclear. Evolution of patients with aortic IMH is highly variable. Progression to classic aortic dissection, aneurysm or to complete resolution have been described.Our purpose was to assess in-hospital and mid-term evolution of patients with aortic IMH. MethodsFrom 2000 to 2015, 40 patients with aortic IMH were prospectively and consecutively recruited in a tertiary care referral center. Aortic IMH was defined as the presence of a circular or crescent-shaped thickening of the aortic wall (≥5mm) in the absence of detectable blood flow inside, within the context of acute aortic syndrome. ResultsTwenty three patients (57.5%) had type A, and 17 (42.5%) type B IMH. Up to 34.7% of patients with type A and 47.1% with type B IMH showed intimal tears in the imaging test at admission. In-hospital mortality was higher in the type A IMH group. All-cause mortality after discharge was 20%, without significant differences among groups. Out of hospital death was related to the aortic pathology in just one patient. At follow-up, radiological persistence of IMH was observed in 35.7% of patients with type A and 60% of those with type B IMH. ConclusionsIMH related mortality takes place primarily during the acute phase of the disease. Clinical evolution after discharge is favorable, either in cases of reabsorption or persistence of the IMH. Imaging test findings rekindle the debate on the true training mechanism of the aortic IMH.

Acute aortic syndromes: diagnosis and management, an update.

Acute aortic syndromes (AAS) encompass a constellation of life-threatening medical conditions including classic acute aortic dissection (AAD), intramural haematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic aortic ulcer. Given the non-specific symptoms and physical signs, a high clinical index of suspicion is necessary to detect the disease before irreversible lethal complications occur. In order to reduce the diagnostic time delay, a comprehensive flowchart for decision-making based on pre-test sensitivity of AAS has been designed by the European Society of Cardiology guidelines on aortic diseases and should be thus applied in the emergency scenario. When the definitive diagnosis is made, prompt and appropriate therapeutic interventions should be undertaken if indicated by a highly specialized aortic team. Urgent surgery for AAD involving the ascending aorta (Type A) and medical therapy alone for AAD not involving the ascending aorta (Type B) are typically recommended. In complicated Type B AAD, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is generally indicated. On the other hand, in uncomplicated Type B AAD, pre-emptive TEVAR rather than medical therapy alone to prevent late complications, while intuitive, requires further study in randomized cohorts. Finally, it should be highlighted that there is an urgent need to increase awareness of AAS worldwide, including dedicated education/prevention programmes, and to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, outcomes, and lifelong surveillance.

Aortic intramural hemorrhage: A distinct disease entity with mystery.

Aortic intramural hemorrhage (IMH) is one of the disease processes that comprise the spectrum of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) with clinical manifestations and a mortality rate similar to those of classic aortic dissection (AD). However, IMH should be considered as a distinct disease entity rather than a precursor to classic dissection because of differences in their pathology, etiology, natural history, and imaging findings. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) is recommended as the first-line diagnostic imaging modality for IMH, but transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also helpful. There is still debate over the appropriate treatment of IMH. Medical treatment of type B IMH appears effective and safe, while surgical treatment is recommended for type A IMH. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a promising treatment for selected patients, and more clinical evidence needs to be assembled.