ABSTRACT
From May 1990 to January 2001, 78 patients underwent surgery for aortic dissection, 68 (87%) of type A. Presentation was acute in 55 patients (71%). For type A dissection, in-hospital mortality was 13% (9 patients) and late mortality was 16%. For type B dissection, in-hospital and late mortality were both 30% (3 patients). The follow-up was complete and medical and imaging controls were performed periodically. Computerized axial tomography has shown persistence of distal aortic dissection in 18 patients, one of whom maintained dissection of the supraaortic trunks with false lumen thrombosis. Six patients maintained signs of dissection in the thoracic and abdominal aorta with patent false lumen. In another eight patients the false lumen was thrombosed. In 3 cases the dissection was located in the abdominal aorta. Two patients developed pseudoaneurysms of the thoracic aorta, one of whom was reoperated due to symptoms of dysphagia and chest pain, with angiographic signs of probable rupture of the aorta. Periodic imaging monitoring is essential, as it allows assessment of the extent of residual aortic disease and its evolution, with early detection of possible complications. This will enable prompt and safe action in those patients who may benefit from reoperation.
