Intramural hematoma of the thoracic aorta in octogenarians: is non operation justified?

• Published in: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 414 - 417
• Main Authors: Porcellini, Massimo, Elia, Stefano, Camera, Luigi, Bracale, Giancarlo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Science B.V 01.10.1999; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analgesics - therapeutic use; Aorta; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Aortic Diseases - drug therapy; Aortic Diseases - etiology; Aortography; Arteriosclerosis - complications; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Cardiology. Vascular system; Diagnostic imaging; Diseases of the aorta; Drug Therapy, Combination; Elderly patient; Female; Hematoma; Hematoma - diagnostic imaging; Hematoma - drug therapy; Hematoma - etiology; Humans; Hypertension - complications; Hypertension - drug therapy; Male; Medical sciences; Nifedipine - therapeutic use; Nitroprusside - therapeutic use; Prognosis; thoracic; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment; Vasodilator Agents - therapeutic use; Elderly patient; Diagnostic imaging; Aorta, thoracic; Treatment; Prognosis; Hematoma; Human; Age 80-89; Thoracic aorta; Cardiovascular disease; Vascular wall; Elderly; Aortic disease
• ISSN: 1010-7940; 1873-734X
• DOI: 10.1016/S1010-7940(99)00247-X

Objective: The prognostic factors and treatment options for thoracic aortic intramural hematoma are controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the most suitable treatment of this condition in very elderly patients. Methods: In a review of the world literature, eight octogenarians with thoracic aortic intramural hematoma were found; to these the three cases reported here must be added. The descending thoracic aorta was involved in eight cases and the ascending/arch in three. Results: In spite of patients’ poor general conditions, the medical treatment group showed survival rates of 85.7% (descending) and 66.6% (ascending/arch), respectively. Conclusion: Extensive atherosclerotic changes of the aortic wall in the elderly, combined with control of hypertension, may probably prevent thoracic aortic intramural hematoma from progressing to dissection, with a favourable outcome. An earlier and more accurate preoperative diagnosis by modern diagnostic techniques, including spiral computed tomography (CT), as were performed in our own patients, will allow optimal treatment and increased patient survival.