Histopathologic evaluation of the intraoperative specimens of the entire aorta

• Published in: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
• Main Authors: Juraszek, A, Bayer, G, Dziodzio, T, Holfeld, J, Dumfarth, J, Gottardi, R, Ehrlich, M, Grimm, M, Czerny, M
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2010
• ISSN: 0171-6425; 1439-1902
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1247026

Background: To evaluate histopathological findings of intraoperatively gained aortic specimens. Methods: Between January 2003 and October 2008, aortic specimens were evaluated in 150 patients including 70 (47%) thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs), 63 (42%) thoracic aortic dissections (TADs) as well as 17 (11%) abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Results: Medial degeneration was diagnosed in 106 (71%) patients including 58 (55%) TAAs and 47 (45%) TADs. Atherosclerosis was diagnosed in 71 (67%) patients including 32 (30%) TAAs, 22 (20%) TADs and all (n=17, 16%) cases with AAA. Severe medial degeneration was found in 39% of patients with TAAs <65 years of age vs. 54% in patients >65 years of age (p=0.3) and in 11% of patients with TADs <65 years of age vs. 53% in patients >65 years of age (p=0.1). Severe atherosclerosis was found in 35% of patients <65 years of age with TADs vs. 24% in patients >65 years of age (p=0.13) and in 47% of patients with TADs <65 years of age vs. 13% in patients >65 years of age (p<0.05). Conclusions: Interestingly, severe medial degeneration in TADs was diagnosed more frequently in younger patients, whereas severe atherosclerosis in TADs in patients over 65 years of age.