The diagnosis and management of aortic dissection occurring years after open heart surgery

• Published in: Journal of cardiovascular surgery Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 251 - 253
• Main Authors: John, R, Beniaminovitz, A, Artrip, J H, Rabbani, L, Michler, R E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy Edizioni Minerva Medica 01.04.2000
• Subjects: Aged; Aneurysm, Dissecting - diagnosis; Aneurysm, Dissecting - etiology; Aneurysm, Dissecting - surgery; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic - diagnosis; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic - etiology; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic - surgery; Aortography; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Coronary Artery Bypass - adverse effects; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Graft Occlusion, Vascular - diagnostic imaging; Graft Occlusion, Vascular - etiology; Graft Occlusion, Vascular - surgery; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Male; Mitral Valve Insufficiency - diagnosis; Mitral Valve Insufficiency - etiology; Mitral Valve Insufficiency - surgery; Reoperation
• ISSN: 0021-9509; 1827-191X

Aortic dissection occurring after open heart surgery is an uncommon but well recognized complication. Unfortunately, it is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Pre-existing aortic wall pathology, intraoperative aortic manipulations and hypertension are known to predispose to the development of this condition. We report a case of aortic dissection occurring 2 years after coronary artery bypass surgery and complicated by acute saphenous vein graft occlusion and severe mitral insufficiency. We review the diagnosis and management of this complication.