Countermeasures and treatment for aortic acute syndrome with novel coronavirus pneumonia / 中华外科杂志

The novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) has cost a great loss to the health and economic property of Chines people. Under such a special circumstance, how to deal with such patients with acute aortic syndrome has become a serious challenge. Rapid diagnosis of concomitant NCP, safe and effective transportation, implementation of the interventional procedure, protection of vascular surgical team and postoperative management and follow-up of such patients have become urgent problems for us. Combined with the latest novel government documents, the literature and the experiences from Wuhan, we answered the above questions briefly and plainly. It also hopes to inspire the national vascular surgeons to manage critical emergencies in vascular surgery and even routine vascular diseases with NCP, as a final point to limit the severe epidemic situation, and minimize the damage of NCP.

Countermeasures and treatment for aortic acute syndrome with novel coronavirus pneumonia / 中华外科杂志

@#The novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) has cost a great loss to the health and economic property of Chines people. Under such a special circumstance, how to deal with such patients with acute aortic syndrome has become a serious challenge. Rapid diagnosis of concomitant NCP, safe and effective transportation, implementation of the interventional procedure, protection of vascular surgical team and postoperative management and follow-up of such patients have become urgent problems for us. Combined with the latest novel government documents, the literature and the experiences from Wuhan, we answered the above questions briefly and plainly. It also hopes to inspire the national vascular surgeons to manage critical emergencies in vascular surgery and even routine vascular diseases with NCP, as a final point to limit the severe epidemic situation, and minimize the damage of NCP.

Countermeasures and treatment for aortic acute syndrome with novel coronavirus pneumonia / 中华外科杂志

The novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) has cost a great loss to the health and economic property of Chines people. Under such a special circumstance, how to deal with such patients with acute aortic syndrome has become a serious challenge. Rapid diagnosis of concomitant NCP, safe and effective transportation, implementation of the interventional procedure, protection of vascular surgical team and postoperative management and follow-up of such patients have become urgent problems for us. Combined with the latest novel government documents, the literature and the experiences from Wuhan, we answered the above questions briefly and plainly. It also hopes to inspire the national vascular surgeons to manage critical emergencies in vascular surgery and even routine vascular diseases with NCP, as a final point to limit the severe epidemic situation, and minimize the damage of NCP.

Características de los pacientes con disección aórtica aguda en Villa Clara: Estudio multicéntrico / Characteristics of patients with acute aortic dissection in Villa Clara: Multicentric study

RESUMEN Introducción: La disección aórtica aguda es considerada como una de las enfermedades cardiovasculares más catastróficas que ocurren en el ser humano, tiene una alta mortalidad que obliga a un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces. Objetivo: Describir las características de los pacientes con disección aórtica atendidos en 4 instituciones hospitalarias de la provincia de Villa Clara. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, multicéntrico, en 25 pacientes que fueron atendidos con el diagnóstico de disección aórtica en el período comprendido entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2017, en 4 centros hospitalarios de nivel secundario de la provincia de Villa Clara, Cuba. Resultados: La media de la edad de los pacientes fue 60,48 ± 13,99 años, 21 fueron del sexo masculino lo que representó el 84,0%. Según la clasificación de Stanford, predominó el tipo A, en 17 pacientes (68,0%). El síntoma más referido fue el dolor torácico anterior y el taponamiento cardíaco fue la complicación más frecuente (28,0%). Conclusiones: Las características de los pacientes con disección aórtica en Villa Clara fueron similares a lo que acontece en el ámbito nacional e internacional, con una elevada mortalidad y una mayor incidencia en hombres, hipertensos y mayores de 65 años de edad. El dolor torácico fue el síntoma cardinal y el taponamiento cardíaco la complicación más temida. La disección aórtica requiere un alto nivel de sospecha por parte del médico para un diagnóstico y un tratamiento tempranos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute aortic dissection is considered one of the most tragic cardiovascular diseases that occur in humans; with high mortality which requires early diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients with aortic dissection treated in 4 hospital institutions in the province of Villa Clara. Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in 25 patients who were treated under the diagnosis of aortic dissection in the period between January 2012 and December 2017, in 4 secondary-level hospital centers in Villa Clara province, Cuba. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60.48 ± 13.99 years, 21 were male, which represented 84.0%. According to the Stanford classification, type A predominated in 17 patients (68.0%). The most common symptom was anterior chest pain while the most frequent complication was cardiac tamponade (28.0%). Conclusions: The characteristics of patients with aortic dissection in the Villa Clara setting manifested in a similar way to those in the national and international sphere. A high level of suspicion is required by the doctor to achieve a timely diagnosis and treatment.

Penetrating Atherosclerotic Ulcers of the Abdominal Aorta: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAUs) of the aorta are defined as atherosclerotic lesions with aortic intima and media ulceration, which may lead to a complete rupture of the adventitial wall. The present article aimed to report an unusual case of a surgically treated patient with abdominal aorta PAU with an illustration of the key features and to review and analyze the existing literature data. PAUs typically develop in elderly and hypertensive patients and in patients with advanced atherosclerosis. Although originally described for the descending thoracic aorta, a similar clinicopathological entity also occurs in the abdominal aorta. Patients with symptoms of a PAU should be treated immediately if they are fit for surgery. Exceptive observation by imaging modalities is necessary in patients with asymptomatic small (<2 cm) PAU, with or without focal dissection.

Hematoma intramural e úlcera penetrante da aorta: incertezas e controvérsias / Intramural hematoma and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers of the aorta: uncertainties and controversies

A história natural do hematoma intramural (HI) e da úlcera penetrante (UP) é muito variável, já que podem progredir para a formação de aneurisma, ruptura, dissecção, e podem até mesmo regredir, no caso específico do HI. Exames de imagem têm crescente papel no manejo clínico e operatório da UP e do HI. Ao contrário das projeções semelhantes a úlcera, achados de lagos sanguíneos não são relatados nos estudos tomográficos de pacientes com HI. O entendimento das características da imagem e do curso natural de cada uma dessas entidades ajudará clínicos e cirurgiões a identificar os pacientes com maior risco para um mau prognóstico e pode melhorar os desfechos. A fisiopatologia dessas entidades, as controvérsias no que se refere a suas histórias naturais e os fatores prognósticos das imagens tomográficas são discutidos neste artigo

The natural histories of intramural hematoma (IMH) and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) are highly variable as they may progress to aneurysm formation, rupture, or dissection, or even resolve, in the specific case of IMH. Imaging plays an increasingly important role in clinical and surgical management of IMH and PAU. In contrast to ulcer-like projections, images of intramural blood pools have not been widely reported in CT studies of patients with IMH. Understanding the imaging characteristics and the natural course of each of these entities would help clinicians and surgeons to identify patients at greatest risk for bad prognosis and may improve outcomes. This paper discusses the pathophysiology of these entities, the controversies regarding their natural history, and the prognostic factors that should be identified in CT scans

Misdiagnosed coronary artery disease-acute aortic syndrome: A case report / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

It is estimated that 15% of traffic accidents cause trauma to large vessels. In about 70%-95% of cases, aortic rupture took place in the distal ligament of the left subclavian artery, whereas in the remaining cases rupture occurred in the ascending aorta above the aortic valve. Trauma to the aortic sinus and coronary arteries is rarely found in traffic accident victims. Therefore, coronary artery trauma is often misdiagnosed as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. The present case is a 42 years old male who survived from a traffic accident. He presented with aortic sinus and left coronary artery trauma. He was misdiagnosed as having coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, and therefore wrongly given antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin, in another hospital. Definite diagnosis was achieved in our hospital, and the patient underwent Bentall and mitral valve replacement, as well as tricuspid valvuloplasty. The aortic occlusion time during surgery was 47 min, and the total cardiopulmonary bypass time was 63 min. After surgery, transthoracic echocardiography confirmed that all the artificial valves worked sufficiently. The patient felt good and symptoms such as asthma and decreased exercise tolerance disappeared. This case taught us that acute aortic syndrome cannot be ignored when patients present with pectoralgia; antiplatelet medication should not be given before definite diagnosis.

Research progress of acute aortic syndrome / 中华外科杂志

Acute aortic syndrome(AAS) is a lethal disease with acute onset and a high mortality rate as well as a higher incidence rate especially in an aging population. The diagnostic techniques of AAS have been improving in recent years. Many serum biomarkers have been shown to have the potential of further clinical implication. Advancement of imaging techniques has also improved the accuracy of early diagnosis. Although traditional treatment modality involving open surgery is life-saving, it still has a high mortality rate and a high major morbidity rate. The increasing utilization of endovascular techniques has greatly improved the prognosis of AAS, while it still need further optimization to be applied in different subgroups of patients.

Presentación atípica y diagnóstico tardío de disección aórtica aguda sin tratamiento quirúrgico oportuno: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Atypical presentation and late diagnosis of acute aortic dissection without timely surgical treatment: case report and literature review

Resumen: El síndrome aórtico agudo incluye un grupo de enfermedades que poseen similitud clínica en su historia natural, siendo la característica más importante su asociación a un alto riesgo vital. Entre estas patologías, el diagnóstico y manejo de la disección aórtica depende del grado de compromiso aórtico según la ubicación de la lesión definida bajo la clasificación de Stanford. Dentro de las manifestaciones clave se considera al dolor torácico como el síntoma cardinal. Sin embargo, existen situaciones que por ambigüedad clínica retrasan el diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente que debutó con una disección aórtica Stanford A, con indicación de resolución quirúrgica en fase aguda pero que dado lo inespecífico de su cuadro clínico, no se logró un diagnóstico oportuno. Posterior a reiteradas consultas por cambios en su sintomatología, se determinó el cuadro definitivo a través de estudio imagenológico, evolucionando de forma favorable con terapia ambulatoria.

Abstract: Acute aortic syndrome includes a group of diseases that have clinical similarity in their natural history, the most important characteristic being their association with a high vital risk. The diagnosis and management of aortic dissection depends on the degree of aortic involvement according to the location of the lesion, as defined by the Stanford classification. In this syndrome, chest pain is considered the cardinal symptom; however, there are situations where clinical feedback is difficult. We present the case of a patient who debuted with a Stanford A aortic dissection, with an indication for surgical resolution in the acute phase, but who unexpectedly presented unspecific clinical manifestations. An opportune diagnosis was not obtained. After repeated consultations for changes in his symptoms, the definitive diagnosis was determined through imaging study, evolving favorably with ambulatory therapy.

Clinical analysis of 391 cases of acute aortic syndrome / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and associated prognostic factors of the acute aortic syndrome. Methods The clinical data of 391 patients with acute aortic syndrome (AAS) admitted to Beijing University People's Hospital from January 2000 to December 2015 were analyzed. Results In 391 patients with AAS, the average age was (52.7 ±13.3) with a male/female ratio of 4.3:1, and 73.4％ patients had hypertension. The most common clinical manifestation of patients with AAS was pain accounting for more than 90.0％, and the nature of pain was expansible and/or transitive pain. The level of D-dimer was elevated in 91.1％ of patients with AAS (ELISA), and significantly higher in type A patients than type B patients. Ultrasound/echocardiography was used to diagnose AAS with a sensitivity of 88.4％, of which the sensitivity of type A patients was 99.1％; the mortality of type A patients was significantly higher than type B patients (34.3％ vs. 0.9％, P <0.01). The mortality was declined obviously (11.7％ vs. 28.0％, P <0.01) when patients were treated with stent. Compared with the in-hospital surviving group, the in-hospital mortality group had decreased platelet counts and FIB, higher level of D-dimer, FDP and NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio). Conclusions Transitive and(or) expansible pains were the characteristic clinical manifestations of acute aortic syndrome,which usually happened suddenly or tearing;D - dimer and ultrasound were valueble and simple methods in AAS patients; Compared with In-hospital surviving group,the In-hospital mortality group had decreased platelet counts and FIB,higher level of D-dimer, FDP and NLR.The mortality of type A was significantly higher than type B,operation can lower the mortality of AAS patients obviously.

Surgical treatment for acute aortic syndrome and discussion on several problems / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To summarize seven-year experience in therapy for acute aortic syndrome.Methods Between May 2009 and June 2016,103 patients(75 males and 28 females)diagnosed as acute aortic syndrome underwent operation. The mean age was(43.13 ±15.07)years(20 -79 years).We applied hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective antegrade cerebral perfusion to achieve organic protection.92 patients underwent Sun's procedure.Bentall procedure was performed on 63 patients.9 patients accepted aortic valve repair or root plasty.Mitral valve was replaced in 5 patients.Right coronary artery bypass grafting was carried out on 3 patients.Results Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was(231.7 ±55.9)min, and cross-clamp time was(138.1 ±31.3)min.Selective cerebral perfusion time was(31.0 ±6.8)min.9 patients died within postoperative 30-days.Conclusion Despite of progression of treatment on acute aortic syndrome, further researches are still required for severe complications and strategies of therapy.

Iatrogenic dissection of the descending aorta: Conservative or endovascular treatment.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is without any doubt a standard technique and the treatment of choice of severe aortic valve stenosis (AVS) in very high‑operative risk patients. However, a number of complications may occur and has been described. Improper valve position, valve migration, paravalvular regurgitation, conduction disturbances, stroke and aortic dissection have been succeeded despite the perfection of the technique. For anyone of the complications above described, a solution may be invented. We present an interesting case of an 81‑year‑old woman with severe AVS treated through TAVI due to very high operative risk. This female, 12 days later presented with thoracic pain and shortness of breath and through the computed tomography of the chest performed was diagnosed a dissection of the descending aorta. She successfully underwent on thoracic endovascular aortic repair. In this report, we refer the bibliographic data and we discuss the treatment options in these cases.

Hybrid treatment of a true thyreocervical trunk aneurysm in a patient with Type B aortic dissection.

We would like to describe a case with a complex aortic disease treated in hybrid fashion. We present an interesting case of a 65‑year‑old man with a medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease percutaneously treated. An acute Type B aortic dissection occurred and treated with the implantation of a stent‑graft which occluded the left subclavian artery due to its extension to the aortic arch. This event required a carotid‑subclavian artery bypass due to ischemia of the left arm. An aneurysm in the innominate artery also detected, was treated with another stent‑graft implantation 3 months later. At 5‑year follow‑up, an aneurysm of the thyreocervical trunk was found while the stent‑graft of the aorta was well‑tolerated without endoleak and the carotid‑subclavian graft was patent. The aneurysm was asymptomatic but considering the risk of spontaneous rupture of an aneurysm of this size, elective surgery was indicated. Because the aneurysm was very close to the brachiocephalic bifurcation, open surgical repair would require a sternotomy. The right common carotid artery and right subclavian artery were exposed. The thyrocervical trunk, right internal mammary artery and right vertebral artery were occluded by ligations to isolate the aneurysm. An 8‑mm Dacron graft was anastomosed end‑to‑end to the distal part of subclavian artery. We would like through this case, discuss the role of the hybrid cardiovascular surgery to minimize the postoperative complications in complex cardiovascular pathology. We also discuss the international bibliography about the thyreocervical trunk aneurysm and the treatment options.

Correlation betwe en single nucleotide polymorphism in FBN-1 gene (rs2118181) and sporadic acute aortic syndrome in Chinese Han population / 中国介入心脏病学杂志

Objective To investigate the association of the rs 2118181 polymorphism of FBN-1 gene ( encoding Fibrillin-1 ) and the risk of acute aortic syndrome ( AAS ) in Chinese Han population. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood of 206 patients suffering AAS and 209 individual-matched controls.The dideoxy chain termination method was used to determine the genotypes of rs 2118181 single nucleotide polymorphisms .Results The TT frequency of rs 2118181 genotype was significantly higher in the patients with AAS , especially with Intramural Haematoma ( IMH ) than in the controls ( 62.1%, 70.4% vs.52.5%, P<0.05).Carriers of CT or CC genotype had a less risk for AAS , especially for IMH, compared with carriers of TT genotype.The odds ratio were 0.66 (95%CI:0.45-0.98, P=0.040) and 0.46 (95%CI:0.24-0.87, P=0.016) respectively.After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension , body mass index , smoking , diabetes mellitus , the odds ratio for AAS was 0.66 ( 95% CI:0.44-0.99 , P=0.048 ) .However , there was no significant difference on the frequencies of rs 2118181 genotype between the two subgroups of classical aortic dissection and intramural haematoma . Conclusions The rs2118181 polymorphism of FBN-1 gene is correlated to the sporadic AAS , especially to IMH, in Chinese Han population .The carriers of TT genotype are vulnerable to AAS , especially to IMH , compared with the non-carriers.

Diagnostic value of multi-slice spiral CTA and image-post processing techniques in acute aortic syndrome / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the clinical value of multi-slice spiral CTA ( MSCTA ) and image-post processing techniques in diagnosis of acute aortic syndrome ( AAS) .Methods 71 patients with AAS were scanned by TOSHIBA Aquilion 64-slice spiral CT,the images on axial and 2D/3D were analyzed.Results 71 cases included 48 cases of aortic dissection ( AD) ,10 cases of intramural hematoma ( IMH) and 13 cases of penetrating atheroscle-rotic ulcer ( PAU) .MSCT depicted the imaging features of AAS:AD showed intimal flap and true and false lumens;IMH showed crescent or circular thickening of aortic wall .PAU showed a niche filling with contrast medium and pro-truding the aortic lumen ,where narrow neck signwas shown .The location ,radiological diagnosis and complications of AAS were observed in 71 patients.Intervention treatment or surgical treatment was conducted in 27 cases after defi-nite diagnosis .Conclusion MSCT is a fast and noninvasive examination technique , and it can provide important information for the diagnosis and treatment of AAS .

Analysis of Factors That Affect Plasma D-Dimmer Level in Acute Aortic Syndrome / 天津医药

Objective To explore the factors that could affect plasma level of D-dimmer test in acute aortic syn-drome. Methods Blood samples (2 mL) from acute aortic syndrome patients (n=76) obtained immediately after admission to detect D-dimmer using ELISA. Blood routine test and biochemical indicators tests including creatinine were also performed. White blood cell (WBC), serum value of creatinine, aortic contrast-enhanced CT, incidence of Shock and death were all re-corded. The receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) was established to assess the potency of D-dimmer to predict hospital mortality. Results According to ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off value of D-dimmer to predict hospital mortality was >2 988.6 μg/L (FEU), with 86.7% sensitivity and 70.5% specificity. The patients were divided into group A (D-dim-mer<2 988.6μg/L FEU, n=45) and group B (D-dimmer≥2 988.6μg/L FEU,n=31). Onset timing was longer in group A than that in group B(P<0.01). Involvement of ascending aorta was less common in group A than in group B(P<0.05). Aortic intramural hematoma was less common in group A than in group B(P<0.05). Logistic analysis demonstrated that short time of onset, involvement of ascending aorta, non-aortic intramural hematoma were all independent factors of higher D-dimmer (≥2 988.6μg/L FEU). Conclusion Patients with long time of onset, without involvement of ascending aorta, with intramural hematoma are liable to have lower values of plasma D-dimmer.

Experiencia y resultados en cirugía de disección aórtica tipo A durante una década en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia / Experience and results in surgery of type A aortic dissection during a decade in the Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia

Antecedentes: la disección aórtica tipo A continúa siendo una enfermedad con alto riesgo de muerte, que por ende requiere un diagnóstico rápido y manejo quirúrgico inmediato. Objetivo: reportar la experiencia y los resultados en cirugía de disección aórtica tipo A durante una década. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, mediante la revisión de historias clínicas de los pacientes atendidos entre enero de 2001 y diciembre de 2010. Se seleccionaron 58 pacientes con diagnóstico de disección aórtica tipo A, que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión y se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, intra y post-operatorias. Resultados: 79,3% de los pacientes fueron hombres; con una mediana de edad de 56 años. Los tiempos promedio para pinza aórtica, bomba y arresto fueron 136, 223 y 39 minutos, respectivamente. Los procedimientos más frecuentes fueron reemplazo de aorta ascendente y cirugía de Bentall en 34,5% de los casos cada uno. La mediana de estancia en la unidad de cuidado intensivo fue de seis y doce días para el total de hospitalización. Se reportaron complicaciones en 36,2% de los casos; la principal fue sepsis de cualquier causa en 20% de los pacientes. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 24% y la supervivencia a 28 días fue superior a 70%. Conclusiones: según nuestra casuística, la mortalidad observada no difiere mucho a la que se reporta en registros multicéntricos internacionales, en los cuales sigue siendo elevada, lo cual resalta la importancia del diagnóstico temprano y el manejo quirúrgico inmediato, que implica un esfuerzo humano e institucional considerable. Palabras clave: síndrome aórtico agudo, disección de aorta, cirugía cardíaca, mortalidad. Background: type A aortic dissection is still a disease with a high risk of death. Therefore it requires prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical management. Objective: to report our experience and results in surgery of type A aortic dissection during a decade. Methods: a descriptive, retrospective study, by reviewing medical records of patients treated between January 2001 and December 2010 was realized. 58 patients diagnosed as type A aortic dissection who met the inclusion criteria were selected, and demographic, clinical, intra and post-operative variables were analyzed. Results: 79.3% of the patients were men, with a median age of 56 years. The mean times for aortic clamp, pump and arrest were 136, 223 and 39 minutes, respectively. The most frequent procedures were ascending aortic replacement and Bentall surgery in 34.5% of cases each one. The median stay in the ICU was six days and overall hospitalization was twelve days. Complications were reported in 36.2% of cases. The main one was sepsis from any cause in 20% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 24% and survival at 28 days was higher than 70%. Conclusions: according to our casuistics, the observed mortality is not very different to that reported in international multicenter registries which remains still high. This fact highlights the importance of early diagnosis and immediate surgical management, implying a significant human and institutional effort.

Background: type A aortic dissection is still a disease with a high risk of death. Therefore it requires prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical management. Objective: to report our experience and results in surgery of type A aortic dissection during a decade. Methods: a descriptive, retrospective study, by reviewing medical records of patients treated between January 2001 and December 2010 was realized. 58 patients diagnosed as type A aortic dissection who met the inclusion criteria were selected, and demographic, clinical, intra and post-operative variables were analyzed. Results: 79.3% of the patients were men, with a median age of 56 years. The mean times for aortic clamp, pump and arrest were 136, 223 and 39 minutes, respectively. The most frequent procedures were ascending aortic replacement and Bentall surgery in 34.5% of cases each one. The median stay in the ICU was six days and overall hospitalization was twelve days. Complications were reported in 36.2% of cases. The main one was sepsis from any cause in 20% of patients. In-hospital mortality was 24% and survival at 28 days was higher than 70%. Conclusions: according to our casuistics, the observed mortality is not very different to that reported in international multicenter registries which remains still high. This fact highlights the importance of early diagnosis and immediate surgical management, implying a significant human and institutional effort.

Current Concepts in Cardiac CT Angiography for Patients With Acute Chest Pain

This article presents specific examples of delayed diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, acute aortic dissection, and pulmonary embolism resulting from evaluating patients with nonspecific acute chest pain who did not undergo immediate dedicated coronary CT angiography (CTA) or triple rule-out protocol (TRO). These concrete examples of delayed diagnosis may advance the concept of using cardiac CTA (i.e., dedicated coronary CTA versus TRO) to triage patients with nonspecific acute chest pain. This article also provides an overall understanding of how to choose the most appropriate examination based on the specific clinical situation in the emergency department (i.e., dedicated coronary CTA versus TRO versus dedicated pulmonary or aortic CTA), how to interpret the CTA results, and the pros and cons of biphasic versus triphasic administration of intravenous contrast material during TRO examination. A precise understanding of various cardiac CTA protocols will improve the diagnostic performance of radiologists while minimizing hazards related to radiation exposure and contrast use.

The Relationship of Inflammatory Reaction with the Mortality of Type B Acute Aortic Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Systemic activation of the inflammatory system after aortic injury may play a role in the development of complications. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of the inflammatory markers for the mortality of patients suffering with medically treated type B acute aortic syndrome (AAS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed a total of 81 patients who were admitted with AAS within 24 hours from the onset of the symptoms and who were medically treated between January 2000 and December 2004. The patients were divided into two groups: the moribund patients who died within 2 weeks (group I: n=8, mean age: 64.0+/-11.0 years) and the patients who survived over 2 weeks (group II: n=73, mean age: 62.6+/-13.7 years). The serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, the white blood cell (WBC) and monocyte counts, and the plasma D-dimer levels were measured on admission. RESULTS: The baseline clinical characteristics were not different between the two groups. The major causes of in-hospital death in group I were extensions or rupture of type B dissection (6 cases) and acute renal failure (2 cases). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that a high monocyte count (>1,250/mm3), and high levels of hsCRP (>11 mg/dL) and D-dimer (>1.2 mg/dL) were independent determinants of the short-term mortality (OR=6.39, 6.14 and 9.00; 95% CI=1.19 to 34.1, 1.14 to 32.9 and 1.20 to 67.4; p=0.02, 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Systemic activation of the inflammatory system in type B AAS patients may be one of the important factors associated with the development of short-term mortality.

Chronobiological Patterns of Acute Aortic Syndrome : Comparison with Those of Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronobiological rhythms have been shown to influence the occurrence of a variety of cardiovascular disorders, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The present study investigated whether the onset of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) has unique chronobiological rhythms in Korean populations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 371 consecutive AAS patients, admitted between 1993 and 2003, were retrospectively analyzed; 310 AMI patients, who underwent primary percutaneous angioplasty in the hyperacute phase between 1998 and 2001, were also selected. RESULTS: In the AAS group, the final diagnoses were aortic dissection (AD) and aortic intramural hematoma (AIH) in 212 and 159 patients, respectively Similar to AMI, AAS showed a significantly higher occurrence from 6 AM to noon compared with other time periods (p=0.0013). AAS showed a second peak occurrence from 6 PM to midnight, which was not observed in the AMI group. A subgroup analysis revealed that younger patients (age < 60 years) and those with a past medical history of hypertension had the highest occurrence from 6 PM to midnight, which was quite different compared to the AAS patients. No significant variation was found for the day of the week in either group. Although no significant seasonal variation was observed in the frequency of AMI, the frequency of AAS was significantly higher during winter (p<0.001). The circadian and seasonal variations in the frequency of AIH were similar to those of AD. CONCLUSION: AAS shows unique circadian and seasonal variations in Korean populations. Our findings may have implications for the prevention of AAS by tailoring treatment strategies to ensure maximal benefits during the vulnerable periods.