Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection Research Articles

Study of Risk Factors and Image Findings of Isolated Abdominal Incidentally Detected Aortic Dissection.

Isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) has been reported to account for 1.1%-4.1% of all aortic dissections. If detected late, it is associated with a risk of aortic rupture. We investigated the risk factors and characteristic imaging findings of incidentally discovered IAAD using abdominal ultrasonography (AUS) during health check-up and hereby report our findings. The study sample included 41 patients with abdominal aortic abnormalities identified by AUS performed during a health check-up at our hospital and who were diagnosed with IAAD by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT); in addition, 205 patients were included in the nonevent group. Furthermore, risk factors and characteristic imaging findings of IAAD were examined retrospectively. Compared with the nonevent group, smoking and fatty liver were observed significantly more frequently in the IAAD group. Ultrasound findings indicated an intimal flap in 35 cases (85.4%), whereas CT scan revealed displacement of intimal calcifications in 32 cases (78.0%). Compared with the nonevent group, there were significantly more cases of fatty liver and smoking habits in the IAAD group. In older patients with risk factors for fatty liver and smoking habits, if IAAD is suspected, it is important to monitor the abdominal aorta using ultrasonography during health check-ups.

Acute Symptomatic Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection – Clinical Characteristics, Outcome, and Sex Differences

Acute isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) is a rare condition and treatment recommendations are lacking. Most previous studies included both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The aims were to determine the proportion of IAAD among patients with acute type B aortic dissection as well as to describe patient characteristics, radiological findings, and frequency of early and late complications and to explore sex differences. This was a retrospective cohort study including all patients hospitalized with acute symptomatic IAAD in Stockholm County during 2012-2021. A total of 277 patients with acute type B aortic dissection were identified, of whom 10% (n=28/277) had acute IAAD. Median age was 56years and 43% (n=12/28) were women. Hypertension was diagnosed in 46% (n=13/28) prior to admission. At onset, abdominal pain was the predominant complaint (93%, n=26/28) and 93% (n=26/28) were hypertensive on admission. The suprarenal aorta was involved in 39% (n=11/28) and at least 1 of the iliac arteries in 50% (n=14/28). All but 1 patient had uncomplicated IAAD (96%, n=27/28). One patient presented with aortic rupture, treated with open surgical repair. Among patients with primarily uncomplicated IAAD, 7% eventually developed chronic complications (n=2/27). Median maximum aortic diameter at 1-year follow-up was 21mm (interquartile range 17-28). Only 1 patient had an aortic diameter exceeding 30mm. None of the patients died during follow-up; median follow-up was 3.0years (interquartile range 2-8). Early and late complications are rare in patients with acute symptomatic IAAD and a conservative approach with antihypertensive treatment and surveillance in uncomplicated cases seems reasonable.

Complicated and Uncomplicated Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissections Demonstrate Different Patient Characteristics and Outcomes

Isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) is a rare entity with poorly defined risk factors and wide variation in management. We set forth to compare patient characteristics, management, and outcomes of uncomplicated isolated abdominal aortic dissection (uIAAD) versus high risk and complicated isolated abdominal aortic dissection (hrcIAAD) to investigate whether these categories can be utilized to guide IAAD management and provide risk stratification for intervention. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients with spontaneous IAAD at a tertiary health care system between 1996 and 2022. Demographics, comorbidities, factors relating to initial presentation including imaging findings, and dissection outcomes including long-term all-cause mortality and aortic-related mortality from time of dissection to final available record were abstracted. IAAD demonstrating rupture or malperfusion were designated as complicated, those with aortic diameter greater than 4cm on presentation or refractory pain were designated as high risk, and the remainder was designated as uIAAD. All variables were compared between hrcIAAD and uIAAD using Fisher's exact test, unpaired t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test as appropriate. Over the study period, 74 patients presented with spontaneous IAAD (mean age 60±16years, 61% male) with postdissection follow-up records to an average of 6.8±5.8years. Of these, 76% presented with uIAAD versus 24% with hrcIAAD. hrcIAAD was diagnosed at a significantly younger age on average than uIAAD (52±14 vs. 62±16years, P=0.02), was less likely to present with concomitant hyperlipidemia (0% vs. 41%, P<0.01), coronary artery disease (6% vs. 47%, P<0.01), and prior smoking history (39% vs. 72%). hrcIAAD was more likely to present in patients with a genetic aortopathy (27% vs. 7%, P=0.03). Hypertension was not significantly different between groups. Patients with hrcIAAD were significantly more likely to present with extension into iliac arteries compared to uIAAD (61% vs. 18%, P<0.01). A much higher proportion of hrcIAAD required hospitalization compared to uIAAD (83% vs. 30%, P<0.01) and operative intervention (67% vs. 7%, P<0.01). While there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between groups, there was a significant difference between aortic-related mortality which only occurred in those with hrcIAAD (28% vs. 0%, P<0.01). Comparison of long-term outcomes suggests that hrcIAAD is associated with increased hospitalization and need for operative intervention compared to uIAAD. Significant differences in atherosclerotic risk factors and proportions of connective tissue disease history between patients who present with hrcIAAD and uIAAD suggest that differences in underlying etiology are largely responsible for whether IAAD progresses towards rupture or has a more benign course and should be considered in risk stratification to guide more specific and targeted management of IAAD.

Optimal medical treatment versus endovascular aortic repair in uncomplicated isolated abdominal aortic dissection

ObjectiveTo report the results of optimal medical treatment (OMT) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in patients with uncomplicated isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD). MethodsA retrospective review of 96 consecutive patients with uncomplicated IAAD (uIAAD) managed at a single tertiary vascular unit between January 2011 and July 2021 was conducted. Standard methods for univariate and survival analyses were used. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality. Secondary end points included uIAAD progression, interventional complications, and follow-up aortic intervention. ResultsInitially, 53.1% of patients (51/96) were managed with OMT. No in-hospital deaths occurred. During follow-up, three patients died, and three and two patients who were initially managed with OMT subsequently required endovascular treatment and surgical management, respectively. Initially, 46.9% of patients (45/96) underwent EVAR. One patient died during hospital admission; nine patients had an endoleak after operation and one needed reintervention. Furthermore, during follow-up, five patients died; four patients needed reoperation, one surgery and three endovascular treatments. The overall long-term mortality was 8.4%, and follow-up aortic intervention rate was 9.5% (median follow-up, 54 months; interquartile range, 33-81 months) with no significant difference between groups. Of note, 12 patients (12.6%) suffered uIAAD progression, which was higher in the OMT group than EVAR group (10 [19.6%] vs 2 [4.5%]; P = .03). ConclusionsuIAAD may be managed safely by OMT with regular surveillance, despite the risk of disease progression. Compared with OMT, EVAR could significantly prevent uIAAD progression. For anatomically suitable patients with uIAAD progression and who are unresponsive to OMT, pre-emptive EVAR is a safe and feasible option.

Similar Midterm Clinical Outcomes and Aortic Remodeling in Bifurcated and Straight Aortic Stent Grafts Used to Treat Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection

Purpose: The optimal treatment for isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) is currently unknown. We compared the effects of straight and bifurcated aortic stent grafts on postoperative aortic remodeling in patients with IAAD. Materials and Methods: From February 2012 to December 2019, 57 patients with IAAD were treated using endovascular methods, including either a bifurcated or a straight aortic stent graft. The clinical features, risk factors, computed tomography angiograms, midterm follow-up results, and aortic remodeling of these patients were reviewed and analyzed. Results: In total, 44 (77%) patients were treated with a bifurcated graft and 13 (23%) patients were treated with a straight graft. Patients treated with straight grafts had fewer common iliac arteries involved (38% vs 73%, p=0.023), the dissection length was shorter (76.3 ± 40.0 vs 116.2 ± 56.7 mm, p=0.011), and the preoperative aortic diameter (26.0 ± 5.6 vs 35.2 ± 12.1 mm) and the false lumen diameter (13.1 ± 5.2 vs 21.2 ± 11.3 mm) were smaller. During the procedure, there were 3 (5.3%) type I endoleaks, 1 (1.8%) surgical conversion and 1 (1.8%) partial renal artery coverage without perioperative mortality. Patients with straight grafts had shorter operative time (96.5 ± 24.4 vs 144.2 ± 49.0 minutes, p<0.0001). The median follow-up duration was 37.6 ± 21.0 (range = 3–89) months with 1 (1.8%) aortic-related death. Type A aortic dissection occurred in 1 (1.8%) patient. New descending aortic dissection occurred in 3 (5.3%) patients, and 1 patient advanced to type A aortic dissection 3 months later. Two (3.5%) patients had limb occlusion. There was no significant difference in aortic remodeling, survival, and freedom from all adverse events between the 2 treatment strategies. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment provides a safe, minimally invasive treatment for IAAD in midterm follow-up. Compression of the true lumen at the aortic bifurcation is the main concern after treatment with a bifurcated graft. Straight grafts are an excellent alternative for some patients, with the benefit of reduced procedural time, effective aortic remodeling, and excellent clinical prognosis. More experience is needed to offer clear recommendations for making treatment decisions as well as determine long-term effectiveness and durability.

Two operative cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm with isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta.

Objective: Isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) co-occurring with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is rather rare. The objective of this report was to discuss the adequate timing and method of surgery for this condition.Patients: We encountered two operative cases, for which we carefully considered the timing and method of surgery. One patient underwent open repair 1 month after the onset, and the other patient underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) 3 years after the onset.Results: Both patients had a good postoperative recovery and are doing well 8 months after the surgery.Conclusion: The presence of symptoms or an increase in the diameter of an AAA is important in determining the timing of intervention.

Management of isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta: a single-centre experience.

Isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) is a rare disease. Currently, there is no consensus on the management of IAAD. Our goal was to report our experience with the management of IAAD. A cohort of 45 consecutive patients with IAAD was treated between January 2010 and December 2018. We reviewed the demographics, clinical features, therapeutic modalities and follow-up results. A total of 33 patients had successful endovascular repair (EVAR) and 12 patients underwent conservative treatment initially. During a mean follow-up of 16.6 months, 2 of the patients in the EVAR group had endoleak; neither of them needed reintervention. Complete or partial thrombosis of the false lumens was seen in all patients (88% and 12%) on the latest computed tomographic angiography images, and a significant enlargement of the true lumen and regression of the false lumen and maximal abdominal aortic diameter were observed in all patients (P < 0.001). In the group receiving conservative treatment, 3 patients were lost to follow-up; 1 patient died; 2 patients had small re-entry sites, neither of which needed intervention; 1 patient had EVAR; and the others remain symptom-free. The latest computed tomographic angiography images showed that 1 patient had spontaneous healing with complete thrombosis of the false lumen, 7 patients had partial thrombosis and the diameter of the maximal abdominal aortic and false lumen remained stable or was less decreased. For patients with IAAD, close surveillance is necessary. In addition, EVAR is an effective therapeutic method with a high technical success rate and low complication rate for carefully selected patients.

Factors Associated With Increased Mortality After Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection Repair

Postoperative mortality after open and endovascular repair of thoracic aortic dissection (AD) has been the focus of previous research. However, a little has been published on the far less common isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD). The aim of our study was to identify risk factors associated with 30-day postoperative mortality in patients with IAAD. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) was queried for patients who underwent open or endovascular AD repair from January 2010 to December 2015. Information regarding patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, procedure details, and postoperative complications were analyzed, and predictors of 30-day mortality were identified. Risk stratification by the type of aortic repair and surgery setting was performed, and patient characteristics associated with mortality in each setting were determined. We employed chi-squared test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test for the univariate analysis, while the multivariate analysis was performed using a stepwise binary logistic regression test. There were 229 patients who met the specified criteria, 15 died within 30days postoperatively, and 214 survived beyond the same period (mortality rate was 6.5%). Among preoperative factors, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), preoperative ventilator dependence, preoperative transfusion of ≥1 unit packed RBCs, emergent operation, and advanced American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class were associated with increased risk of mortality. Postoperative complications associated with a higher risk of mortality were acute kidney injury, mechanical ventilation ≥48hours, unplanned intubation, myocardial infarction, septic shock, and blood transfusion. On multivariate analysis, risk factors independently associated with increased risk of mortality were a history of COPD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 10.5; P=0.013), postoperative acute renal failure (AOR, 12.8; P=0.003) and septic shock (AOR, 15.3; P=0.014). Multiple preoperative and postoperative factors are associated with a high risk of death after IAAD repair. A better control of COPD and prevention of postoperative acute renal failure and septic shock may result in better outcomes.

Contemporary Results of Endovascular Repair of Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection with Unibody Bifurcated Stent Grafts

To report the midterm safety and efficacy of the Aegis™-B (Microport, Shanghai, China) unibody bifurcated stent graft for endovascular treatment of isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD). Isolated abdominal aorta dissection (IAAD) is a rare event. Endovascular stent grafts seem to offer an efficient therapeutic approach to treat IAAD. However, the relatively small diameter of the infrarenal aorta and aortic bifurcation remains the main anatomical limitation to endovascular repair. Between 2008 and 2015, we retrospectively evaluated 32 IAAD patients (21 men; mean age 58±18years), who underwent endovascular repair using Aegis™-B unibody bifurcated stent graft. Narrow proximal landing zone and narrow distal aorta was present in 11 (34.4%) patients and 10 (31.3%) patients, respectively. In the follow-up period, aortic remodeling was observed with computed tomography angiography. All patients were treated by endovascular means, with a primary technical success rate of 100%. During a mean follow-up period of 30.71±16.36months (range, 8-56months), no death, rupture, stent fracture, material failure, or device migration was observed. Complete false lumen thrombosis was observed in all patients at 1year, and all patients were free from false lumen growth in the follow-up. Endovascular treatment of IAAD using the Aegis™-B system appears to be safe and effective. Results from this study suggest this algorithm can provide stable, secure fixation for IAAD patients with narrow proximal landing zone, and distal aorta.

Clinical experience in treatment of the isolated abdominal aortic dissection

Objective This retrospective study is to analyze and summarize the clinical features and therapeutic experience of the isolated abdominal aortic dissection(IAAD). Methods Totally 17 patients of IAAD, who were admitted to our hospital from January 2009 to January 2016, were included in this retrospective analysis. Five patients with obvious pain or abdominal aorta diameter of 30 mm accompanied with sub-renal anchorage area of 15 mm, underwent endovascular repair. In these 5 patients, 4 cases were subjected to bifurcated stent graft endovascular repair and 1 case received the aorta uni-iliac endovascular repair combined with femoral-femoral artery bypass treatment. Moreover, 2 patients with sub-renal anchorage area of less than 15 mm were subjected to surgical treatment. In these 2 patients, 1 case with obvious pain and abdominal aorta diameter of 30 mm underwent the abdominal aorta-right iliac artery bypass combined with femoral-femoral artery bypass, while the other case with abdominal aorta diameter of 30 mm but no pain received the abdominal aorta-bilateral iliac artery bypass. Furthermore, 8 patients with no obvious pain and abdominal aorta diameter of less than 30 mm received conservative medical treatment. In addition, there were 2 patients with obvious pain and abdominal aorta diameter of 30 mm suffering from sudden death during the surgical preparation. Important complications of these patients during hospitalization and follow-up period were recorded, analyzed, and compared. Results For the 5 patients undergoing endovascular repair, the averaged hospitalization duration was (15.4±2.9) d, one of whom died during hospitalization. There were 3 cases with follow-up period of ≥ 12 months, and 1 case reported left iliac branch occlusion. For the 2 patients subjected to surgical treatment, the follow-up period was less than 12 months, and no serious complications occurred during hospitalization or follow-up period. For the 8 patients receiving conservative medical treatment, the averaged hospitalization duration was (11.1±5.2) d. There were 4 cases with follow-up period of ≥ 12 months, and no serious complications occurred during hospitalization or follow-up period. Conclusions Endo or open surgical treatment is recommended for patients with isolated abdominal aortic dissection with obvious pain or abdominal aortic diameter of 30 mm. For the patients with no pain and abdominal aortic diameter of less than 30 mm, conservative medical treatment is recommended. Key words: Aneurysm, dissecting; Aorta, abdominal; Clinical protocols; Comparative effectiveness research

Endovascular Treatment of Infrarenal Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection with Application of the Kissing Stents Technique: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) is a rare form of aortic dissection involving usually the infrarenal part of the abdominal aorta. A 45-year-old male presented with lumbar pain and claudication. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed an infrarenal IAAD extending to the left external iliac artery (EIA), causing ≥90% narrowing of the lumen. An endovascular approach was decided, with deployment of an aortic stent-graft and two balloon expandable stents in both common iliac arteries (IAs), applying the kissing stents technique. Post-surgical course was uneventful; 12 month follow-up showed excellent vessel patency. Endovascular therapy seems to be a feasible treatment option with promising long-term follow-up results.

PC128. Medical Management for Uncomplicated Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection

PC128. Medical Management for Uncomplicated Isolated Abdominal Aortic Dissection

Endovascular treatment of isolated abdominal aortic dissection and postoperative aortic remodeling

We report our experience of endovascular management and postoperative aortic remodeling of all types of isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD). This was retrospective study of 28 IAAD patients treated by endovascular means in our department between January 2007 and July 2013. We reviewed the risk factors, clinical features, computed tomography images, follow-up results, and aortic remodeling of these IAAD patients and propose a new morphologic classification into three types-supraceliac, paravisceral, and infrarenal-according to the location of the primary entry site. There were four supraceliac IAADs, one paravisceral IAAD, and 23 infrarenal IAADs in our case series. Suprarenal (supraceliac + paravisceral) IAAD patients were relatively younger than infrarenal patients (45.2 ± 8.6 years vs 60.6 ± 15.5 years; P < .05). No difference was observed between suprarenal and infrarenal IAADs with respect to true lumen, false lumen, and dissection length on imaging (P > .05). All patients received endovascular treatment. The primary technical success rate was 100%. During a follow-up of 35.7 ± 19.9 months, only one infrarenal patient needed an endovascular reintervention. All patients with supraceliac or infrarenal IAADs were alive at the time of follow-up; however, a paravisceral patient died of a dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture 21 months after endovascular treatment. In the suprarenal and infrarenal groups, endovascular treatment was associated with a significant decrease in the false lumen size and increase in the true lumen size (P < .05). The maximum abdominal aorta diameter decreased after endovascular treatment in both groups but was statistically significant only in the infrarenal group (P < .05). IAAD is a rare vascular disease. We propose it should be categorized as supraceliac, paravisceral, and infrarenal IAAD according to the location of the primary entry site. Endovascular treatment for supraceliac and infrarenal IAADs is a safe method with a high technical success rate and promising aortic remodeling, whereas endovascular treatment for paravisceral IAADs remains difficult.

Aortic Dissection Limited to Abdominal Aorta: an Underrecognized Entity ?

Background: Aortic dissection limited to the abdominal aorta is a rare clinical entity with non-specific clinical features. Optimal treatment, as well as natural history and progression of the disease, remain unclear. In 1991 we reported 5 cases of isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD) and in the present paper we update our series with 5 additional patients. A concise literature review is also provided.Methods: Between 1991 and 1014, we diagnosed 5 patients with IAAD (4 men, mean age 60.6 years, range 45–77). No patient presented with acute onset of symptoms. One patient was diagnosed with a periumbilical bruit, and diagnosis was made with magnetic resonance (MR)-angiography. Other diagnoses were incidental findings on computed tomographic (CT) scanning. Dissection was located infrarenally in four cases and at the celiac trunk in one case. Results: All cases were treated conservatively with hypertension control and close follow-up. Follow-up period ranged from 10 months to 10 years and was performed yearly by CT-or MR-angiography and blood pressure monitoring. All patients remained symptom-free, all dissection lengths remained stable. Slowly increasing post-dissection aneurysmal dilatation was encountered in two patients. We combined results of these five new patients with five previously diagnosed and reported patients at our center. Treatment was surgical in only one out of 10 patients. There was no disease-related mortality during follow-up.Conclusions: Based on our case series, IAAD remains a rare clinical condition with relative benign clinical course. Treatment was almost exclusively conservative. Recent publications state IAAD might be underrecognized and underdiagnosed compared to thoracic aortic dissections.

Paraplegia after spontaneous dissection of the abdominal aorta

We report a case with spinal cord ischemia and consecutive paraplegia following spontaneous isolated abdominal aortic dissection (IAAD). A 63-year-old female was admitted to the surgical emergency room with severe lumbar back pain and accompanying paresthesia of both legs. Contrast enhanced computed tomograpy (CT) of the abdomen showed an infrarenal IAAD in a normal size aorta with patent lumbar arteries. It was assumed that a surgical or interventional approach would not be helpful to improve spinal cord perfusion. Therefore, non operative therapy consisted of lowering blood pressure to prevent further dissection. The patient developed an anterior spinal artery syndrome with permanent paraplegia. Thus, blood pressure was raised for optimal spinal cord perfusion. To lower the spinal pressure, cerebrospinal fluid drainage was attempted. A three month follow-up CT scan showed spontaneous remodelling of the aorta. The neurological deficit persisted. IAAD is a rare differential diagnosis of lumbar back pain and can be associated with paraplegia as the leading symptom. Individualized treatment is indicated. Surgical treatment options concerning paraplegia are limited.