Angioclub Case Series: Aortic Pathology Candace L. White MA, MD Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida
Patient Presentation 79 y male, retired urologist CC: acute onset of substernal chest pain HPI: patient was watching the superbowl when he experienced acute onset and progressive substernal chest pain with radiation to back MHx: CAD, severe HTN, noted medication non-compliance
Workup/Clinical Integration ER EKG Cardiac Enzymes CT Chest w +w/o Cardiology ICU admission for BP control TEE Cardiothoracic Surgery Interdisciplinary discussion of treatment options with patient/family Interventional Radiology Intervention
Non-Invasive Imaging Intramural Hematoma of the Ascending Thoracic Aorta and Arch (Type A) *no dissection flap identified
Non-Invasive Imaging Penetrating Ulcer of the Descending Thoracic Aorta
Diagnosis CT demonstrates Type A intramural hematoma involving the ascending aorta and aortic arch with suspect point of origin at a penetrating ulcer immediately distal to the L subclavian artery origin TEE confirmed intramural hematoma without distinct dissection flap, lack of involvement of the coronary arteries or cardiac sinuses, and absence of pericardial effusion
Management Options Medical Management strict BP control Surgical Management immediate vs delayed repair of ascending aorta +/- repair of transverse aortic arch Endovascular Management endovascular stent graft
Review of Literature Vast majority of studies report: significantly high rate of progression of Type A IMH to aortic dissection, aneurysm, or rupture significantly increased mortality with medical management compared to surgical management Few studies report: resolution of IMH without progression to more malignant processes, in a select population TWO studies report: successful management of Type A IMH with endovascular approach studies consist of 4 and 8 patients
Definitive Treatment Patient refused open repair Interdisciplinary decision was made to intervene with endovascular approach to prevent progression of disease process TEVAR using 40mm x 40mm x 15cm endograft placed just distal to the L subclavian artery origin to cover the penetrating ulcer, thought to be the origin of the IMH
Follow-up Imaging at 3 months post TEVAR demonstrates complete resolution of Type A IMH without evidence of progression to dissection flap, aneurysm, or rupture
References Monnin-Bares V, Thony F, Rodiere M, et al. Endovascular stent-graft management of aortic intramural hematomas. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2009; 20(6): Grimm M, Loewe C, Gottardi R, et al. Novel insights into the mechanisms and treatment of intramural hematoma affecting the entire thoracic aorta. Ann Thorac Surg. 2008; 86: Estrera A, Miller C, Lee T, et al. Acute type a intramural hematoma: analysis of current management strategy. Circulation 2009; 120: S287-S291. Maraj R, Rerkpattanapipat P, Jacobs LE, et al. Meta-analysis of 143 reported cases of aortic intramural hematoma. Am J Cardiol. 2000; 86: Sueyoshi E, Matsuoka Y, Imada T, et al. New development of an ulcerlike projection in an aortic intramural hematoma: CT evaluation. Radiology. 2002; 224: Ganaha F, Miller DC, Sugimoto K, et al. Prognosis of aortic intramural hematoma with and without penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer: a clinical and radiological analysis. Circulation. 2002; 106: Svensson LG, Kouchoukos NT, Miller DC, et al. Expert consensus document on the treatment of descending thoracic aortic disease using endovascular stent-grafts. Ann Thorac Surg. 2008; 85: S1-S41.