Acute Aortic Dissection

Overview

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition in which there is a tear in the aorta intimal layer, resulting in separation of the layers of the aortic wall.^[1]  This vascular condition is the most common catastrophe of the aorta, 2-3 times more common than rupture of the abdominal aorta. When left untreated, about 33% of patients die within the first 24 hours, and 50% die within 48 hours. The 2-week mortality rate approaches 75% in patients with undiagnosed ascending aortic dissection.

Dissections of the thoracic aorta have been classified anatomically by two different methods. The more commonly used system is the Stanford classification, which is based on involvement of the ascending aorta and simplifies the DeBakey classification.

Stanford classification

The Stanford classification divides dissections into two types, type A and type B, on the basis of the extent of the dissection.^[2] Type A involves the ascending aorta (DeBakey types I and II); type B does not (DeBakey type III); it arises distal to the left subclavian artery.^[3]

This system helps to delineate treatment. Usually, type A dissections require surgery, whereas type B dissections may be managed medically or endovascularly under most conditions.

DeBakey classification

The DeBakey classification divides dissections into three types, as follows:

• Type I involves the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta
• Type II is confined to the ascending aorta
• Type III is confined to the descending aorta distal to the left subclavian artery

Type III dissections are further divided into IIIa and IIIb, on the basis of anatomic involvement.^[2] Type IIIa refers to dissections that originate distal to the left subclavian artery but extend proximally and distally, mostly above the diaphragm (ie, thoracic aorta).

Type IIIb refers to dissections that originate distal to the left subclavian artery, extend only distally, and may extend below the diaphragm (ie, abdominal aorta).

Thoracic aortic dissections should be distinguished from aneurysms (ie, localized abnormal dilatation of the aorta) and transections, which are caused most commonly by high-energy trauma.

Non-A, non-B dissections

Non-A, non-B dissections involve a retrograde extent or proximal tear in the aortic arch between the brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery.^[3]

Proposed: Type-Entry-Malperfusion (TEM) classification

More recently, the TEM classification is a proposed classification that aims to provide improved accuracy in defining aortic dissection, thereby providing risk stratification, particularly for patients whose conditions don't clearly fit into the Stanford or DeBakey classifications (ie, non-A, non-B dissections).^{[2, 4]}  This classification features the extent of the dissection, entry tear site, and presence of malperfusion,^[2] as described below.

Entry tear ^[2]

• E0: No entry tear identified
• E1: Presence of entry tear in the ascending aorta between the aortic valve and proximal to the brachiochephalic trunk
• E2: Presence of entry tear in the aortic arch between brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery
• E3: Presence of entry tear in the descending aorta, distal to the left subclavian artery

Malperfusion ^[2]

• M0 (none): No evidence of malperfusion clinically or radiologically
• M1 (cardiac): ≥1 main coronary artery dissection, with (M1+) or without (M1–) evidence of ischemia (eg, ECG changes and/or elevated serum cardiac enzymes)
• M2 (supra-aortic): ≥1 supra-aortic artery dissection or collapse of aortic arch true lumen, in the presence (M2+) or absence (M2–) of clinical symptoms of cerebral malperfusion (stroke) or upper extremity malperfusion (pulse deficit, pallor, paresthesia)
• M3 (visceral, spinal, or iliac): dissection or origin of false lumen of at least one visceral, renal, or one iliac artery, or collapse of aortic true lumen comprising functional closure of at least one visceral, renal or iliac artery offspring, with (M3+) or without (M3−) clinical ischemic symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract (abdominal pain, ileus, bloody diarrhea), renal system (anuria, renal failure signs), or lower extremities (pulse deficit, pain, pallor, paresthesia)

Note: Further investigation of this proposed TEM classification is needed.

The following organizations have released guidelines for the management of aortic dissection. Key diagnostic and treatment recommendations have been reviewed and integrated throughout the article.

• ACR Appropriateness Criteria thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm or dissection: treatment planning and follow-up^[5]
• ESC Guidelines for the management of peripheral arterial and aortic diseases^[4]

• References

Pathophysiology & Risk Factors

Aortic dissection essentially features a tear in the intimal layer, followed by the formation and propagation of a subintimal hematoma. The dissecting hematoma commonly occupies up to 50% and, occasionally, 100% of the aortic circumference, leading to the development of a false lumen or double-barreled aorta. This can reduce the flow of blood to any of the major arteries arising from the aorta. If the dissection involves the pericardial space, cardiac tamponade can result.

The normal aorta contains collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle cells, which help contribute to the layers of the aorta, the intima, the media, and the adventitia. Degenerative changes associated with aging lead to the breakdown of the collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle, as well as to an increase in basophilic ground substance. This is termed cystic medial necrosis, the hallmark histologic change associated with dissection and with Marfan syndrome.

Any disease that weakens the strength of the aortic wall will predispose one to aortic dissection. Shearing forces give rise to the separation of the layers in the media of the aorta. Intimal rupture occurs at points of fixation along the aorta where the hydraulic stress is maximal. The most common site is the first few centimeters of the ascending aorta, with 90% found within 10 cm of the aortic valve. The second most common site is just distal to the left subclavian artery.

Risk factors

Risk factors for aortic dissection include the following^{[1, 4]} :

• Aging: Approximately 75% of dissections occur in those aged 40-70 years, with a peak age of 50-65 years.
• Aortopathy: Aortopathy can be present in heritable diseases such as Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos, anuloaortic ectasia, familial aortic dissections, adult polycystic kidney disease, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, bicuspid aortic valve, and coarctation of the aorta. It is also seen in metabolic disorders such as homocystinuria and familial hypercholesterolemia.
• Atherosclerosis: The formation of atherosclerotic lesions can weaken and cause tears within the intima layer, serving as a risk factor for aortic dissection.
• Bicuspid aortic valve: In one study, the probability of type A dissection increased gradually at a sinus diameter of 5.0 cm (from 4.1% to 13% at 7.2 cm) and then increased steeply at an ascending aortic diameter of 5.3 cm (from 3.8% to 35% at 8.4 cm).^[6] Thus, early prophylactic ascending aortic replacement is recommended in patients with bicuspid aortic valve with aortas larger than approximately 5.0 cm.
• Blunt trauma: The proximal descending aorta is the area most commonly involved in blunt trauma, due to its relative mobility over the fixed abdominal aorta, which is held in place by the ligamentum arteriosum.^[7] A tearing or shearing occurs in sudden deceleration leading to a traumatic aortic dissection.
• Coarctation of the aorta is an area within the aorta that is focally narrowed. The most common site of congenital coarctation of the aorta is at the site of the ductus arteriosum. Affected patients typically have a longer aortic segment or section that is underdeveloped, unusually small, and hypoplasic. This affects the layers of the aorta and thus increases risk for dissection.
• Cocaine: Cocaine affects the connective tissue and has the ability to produce abrupt and severe hypertension. The differential of “cocaine chest pain” should always include aortic dissection.
• Connective tissue disorders: As noted earlier, certain diseases (eg, Marfan, Ehlers- Danlos, Turner) affect the media of the aorta and make it prone to dissection. Pulsatile flow and high blood pressure contribute to the propagation of the dissection.
• Hypertension, including abrupt, transient, severe elevated blood pressure (as noted with cocaine use)^[1]
• Infectious or inflammatory conditions: Infectious conditions can lead to a vasculitis that affects the vaso vasorum or the small arteries that supply blood to the layers of the aortic wall. If these arteries become compromised, a lack of blood flow can cause ischemic injury to the aorta and predispose it to dissection. Inflammatory involvement of tertiary syphilis begins at the adventitia of the aortic arch ,which progressively causes obliterative endarteritis of the vasa vasorum. This leads to lumenal narrowing of the vasa vasorum, causing ischemic injury of the medial aortic arch and then, finally, loss of elastic support and dilation of the vessel.
• Sex: About two thirds of acute aortic dissection occurs in males, but acute type A acute dissection appears to have a female sex preponderance.^[4]
• Previous heart surgery, including aortic valve replacement surgery: Prior surgical interventions on the aorta weaken the blood vessel wall in some cases, resulting in an abnormal dilatation of the aorta with the risk of dissection. These conditions are usually addressed at the dilation stage in order to prevent the development of aortic dissection. Aortic dilatation is surgically addressed through a variety of procedures that help to strengthen the blood vessel wall and to prevent progression of the dilating process. In most cases, these procedures are done without having to remove or disrupt the aortic valve.
• Pregnancy: Aortic dissection in pregnancy occurs most commonly in the third trimester due to the hyperdynamic state and hormonal effects on the vasculature.
• Time of day and season: There appears to be a higher incidence of acute aortic dissection in the morning (peak: 8-9a) and in winter (peak: January, in the Northern Hemisphere).^[4]

• References

Prehospital Care

Assure adequate breathing, maintain oxygenation, treat shock, and obtain useful historical information.

Establishing the diagnosis in the field is usually difficult or impossible, but certain salient features of aortic dissection may be observed. It is life threatening if not quickly recognized and treated.

Radio communication with the receiving hospital permits the medical control physician to direct care and select a capable destination hospital, while permitting the emergency department (ED) to mobilize appropriate resources.

In the rare event that the diagnosis can be made based on prehospital information, the physician directing prehospital care should request transport to a facility capable of operative treatment of an aortic dissection.

• References

Emergency Department Care

The mortality rate of patients with aortic dissection is 1-2% per hour for the first 24-48 hours and up to 50% in the first week.^[1] Initial therapy should begin when the diagnosis is suspected. This includes two large-bore intravenous lines (IVs), oxygen, respiratory monitoring, and monitoring of cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, and urine output.

Clinically, the patient must be assessed frequently for hemodynamic compromise, mental status changes, neurologic or peripheral vascular changes, and development or progression of carotid, brachial, and femoral bruits.

Note the following:

• Aggressive management of heart rate and blood pressure should be initiated.
• Beta blockers should be given initially to reduce the rate of change of blood pressure (dP/dt) and the shear forces on the aortic wall.
• The target heart rate should be 60-80 beats per minute.
• The target systolic blood pressure should be 100-120 mm Hg.

End organ perfusion should be evaluated. Balancing the risks of dP/dt on the aortic wall versus the benefits of acceptable end organ perfusion may be a difficult clinical decision.

Aortic dissection associated with cocaine ingestion is challenging. It has been argued that using beta blockers alone without any simultaneous alpha blockers may allow unopposed alpha aderenergic vasoconstriction, potentially worsening myocardial ischemia. Therefore, it is recommended labetalol be used as it has both alpha- and beta-blocking properties.

Retrograde cerebral perfusion may increase the protection of the central nervous system during the arrest period.

Up to one third of patients with acute aortic dissection may have their diagnosis missed.^[8]  Factors that contribute to an initial missed diagnosis of aortic dissection include female sex, the absence of back pain, and/or the presence of extracardiac atherosclerosis. Patients whose aortic dissection was initially missed also tend to have more imaging studies and longer time to surgery; however, these do not appear to affect adjusted long-term all-cause mortality.^[8]

Use of a multiparametric algorithm that comprises the aortic dissection detection-risk score (ADD-RS) with D-dimer may aid in ruling out acute aortic dissection.^[4]

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends use of a focused transthoroacic echocardiography (with contrast, if feasible) in the emergency department, if available, for the workup of acute aortic syndromes.^[4] This imaging modality allows evaluation of pericardial effusion, wall motion anomalies, aortic regurgitation, and aortic dimension.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) may help in the evaluation of, and guide management of, suspected acute aortic dissection in patients with contraindications to compute tomography angiography (CTA) in the emergency department.^[9]  In the setting of suspected acute aortic syndrome, the ESC indicates the preferred imaging technique for confirmation of the diagnosis is ECG-gated cardiac CT scanning from neck to pelvis.^[4] If cardiac CT is not available or the patient is hemodynamically unstable, diagnostic confirmation and assessment of the celiac trunk and mesenteric artery can be achieved with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).^[4] TEE is also recommended for perioperative management guidance in those with suspected acute aortic syndrome and for identification of complications.

Mortality from aortic arch dissections is about 10-15%, with significant neurologic complications occurring in another 10% of patients. The patient's clinical condition influences mortality.

• References

ACR Criteria for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up

The American College of Radiology has established ACR Appropriateness Criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected aortic dissection.^[10]  Imaging modalities that are usually appropriate In patients with acute aortic syndrome, which includes aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, are^[10] :

• TEE
• Chest radiography
• MRA of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, without and with IV contrast^[10]
• MRA of the chest, without and with IV contrast
• Chest CT with IV contrast or without and with IV contrast
• Chest CTA with IV contrast
• Chest, abdominal, and pelvic CTA with IV contrast^[10]

Type A dissections

Urgent surgical intervention is required in type A dissections. The area of the aorta with the intimal tear usually is resected and replaced with a Dacron graft. The operative mortality rate is usually less than 10%, and serious complications are rare with ascending aortic dissections. In general, in-hospital mortality following prompt surgical repair is an estimated 15-30%; the estimated postoperative 5-year survival is 70-80%, falling to 50-60% after 10 years.^[1]

The development of more impermeable grafts, such as woven Dacron, collagen-impregnated Hemashield, aortic grafts, and gel-coated Carbo-Seal Ascending Aortic Prothesis, has greatly enhanced the surgical repair of thoracic aortic dissections.

With the introduction of profound hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion, morbidity and mortality associated with this highly invasive surgery have decreased.

Dissections involving the arch are more complicated than those involving only the ascending aorta, because the innominate, carotid, and subclavian vessels branch from the arch. Deep hypothermic arrest usually is required. If the arrest time is less than 45 minutes, the incidence of central nervous system complications is less than 10%.

Aortic stent grafting is a challenging technique. It may prove feasible and has offered good results in a small series of patients. It may be a reasonable alternative in high-risk patients in the near future.

Planning for endovascular or open repair

When planning for endovascular or open repair of thoracoabdominal aorta aneurysm/dissection, the ACR indicates it is usually appropriate to obtain chest, abdominal, and pelvic MRA without and with IV contrast, or without IV contrast, and chest, abdominal, and pelvic CTA with IV contrast.^[5]

Type B dissections

The definitive treatment for type B dissections is less clear. Uncomplicated distal dissections may be treated medically to control blood pressure. Distal dissections treated medically have a mortality that is the same as or lower than that of patients who are treated surgically. In general, there is a 10-15% in-hospital mortality for patients with type B dissection who receive medical management, rising to more than 30-40% in the setting of complicated type B dissections (eg, related to malperfusion syndromes, rupture, rapid expansion) that are not promptly treated with endovascular or surgical intervention.^[1] The estimated 5-year survival of patients with type B dissection is 75-85%.^[1]

Surgery is reserved for distal dissections that are leaking, ruptured, or compromising blood flow to a vital organ.

Acute distal dissections in patients with Marfan syndrome usually are treated surgically.

Inability to control hypertension with medication is also an indication for surgery in patients with a distal thoracic aortic dissection.

Patients with a distal dissection are usually hypertensive, emphysematous, or older.

Long-term medical therapy involves a beta-adrenergic blocker combined with other antihypertensive medications. Avoid antihypertensives (eg, hydralazine, minoxidil) as these drugs would increase dP/dt (ie, rate of aortic pressure rise).

Survivors of surgical therapy also should receive beta-adrenergic blockers.

A series of patients with type B dissections demonstrated that aggressive use of distal perfusion, CSF drainage, and hypothermia with circulatory arrest improves early mortality and long-term survival rates.

Endovascular stenting remains an option for treatment of some type B dissections. Some studies recommend that patients with complicated acute type B dissections undergo endovascular stenting with the goal of covering the primary intimal tear.^[11]  More recent studies suggest that a combination medical therapy with endovascular aortic repair may inprove outcomes in acute and chronic uncomplicated type B dissections.^[12]

Definitive treatment

Definitive treatment involves segmental resection of the dissection, with interposition of a synthetic graft.

When thoracic dissections are associated with aortic valvular disease, replace the defective valve. With combined reconstruction–valve replacement, the operative mortality rate is approximately 5%, with a late mortality rate of less than 10%.

Operative repair of the transverse aortic arch is technically difficult, with an operative mortality rate of 10% despite induction of hypothermic cardiocirculatory arrest.

Repair of the descending aorta is associated with a higher incidence of paraplegia than repair of other types of dissections because of interruption of segmental blood supply to the spinal cord.

The operative mortality rate is approximately 5%.

In a study by Mimoun et al of patients with Marfan syndrome who had acute aortic dissection, the patients were found to have a better event-free survival when there were no dissected portions of the aorta remaining after surgery.^[13]

A study by Rylski et al indicated that in patients with type A aortic dissection, aggressive hemiarch replacement is associated with a low mortality rate and a low incidence of reintervention. The study involved 534 patients with acute type A dissection who underwent hemiarch replacement. The investigators found that at 1-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up, the patient survival rate was 80%, 68%, and 51%, respectively. During the same follow-up period, no distal reintervention was required in 97%, 90%, and 85% of patients, respectively.^[14]

Follow-up

For follow-up in the setting of known thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm/dissection without repair in the presence or absence of new symptoms, the ACR notes it is usually appropriate to obtain chest, abdominal, and pelvic MRA without and with IV contrast, or without IV contrast, as well as chest, abdominal, and pelvic CTA with IV contrast.^[5]

When following up after endovascular or open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm/dissection, it is usually appropriate to obtain a chest, abdominal, and pelvic MRA without and with IV contrast.^[5] Chest, abdominal, and pelvic CTA with IV contrast is also usually appropriate.^[5]

• References

Inpatient & Outpatient Care

Inpatient care

Patients with symptomatic dissection should undergo immediate repair, especially if it is leaking or expanding.

Symptomatic patients require admission to a center experienced in cardiopulmonary bypass and operative care.

Completely asymptomatic patients may have their repair performed electively but may require admission to expedite their evaluation or for preoperative stabilization of their condition.

Patients with chest pain should undergo serial echocardiograms (ECGs) and creatine kinase (CK) determinations if acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is indicated.

Type A acute aortic dissection (class I recommendations)

Obtain emergency surgical consultation and evaluation; the ESC recommends immediate surgical intervention.^[4]

In the setting of extensive destruction of the aortic root, a root aneurysm, or a known genetic aortic condition, the ESC recommends aortic root replacement using a mechanical or biological valve conduit.^[4]

If a partially dissected root is present but there is no significant pathology of the aortic valve leaflet, the ESC prefers aortic valve suspension over valve replacement.^[4]

In the setting of aortic repair, survival can be improved and false lumen thrombosis rates raised with an open distal anastomosis.^[4]

In the absence of an intimal tear of the aortic arch or a significant arch aneurysm, a hemi-arch repair is recommended over more extensive arch replacement.^[4]

Type A acute aortic dissection and malperfusion (class I recommendations)

Immediate surgery is recommended in individuals with acute type A aortic dissection with malperfusion of the brain, mesentery, lower limb, or kidney.^[4]

Type B acute aortic dissection (class I recommendations)

All affected patients should receive medical therapy (eg, pain relief, blood pressure control).^[4]

Emergency intervention is recommended in the setting of complicated acute type B aortic dissection.^[4] Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the recommended first-line treatment in this scenario.

Type B chronic aortic dissection (class I recommendations)

All affected individuals should receive antihypertensive therapy.^[4]

Emergent intervention is recommended in the setting of acute symptoms of malperfusion, rupture, or disease progression.^[4]

In the setting of a descending thoracic aortic diameter of at least 50 mm, the ESC recommends intervention in those at reasonable surgical risk.^[4]

Outpatient care

Follow-up examinations with radiologic studies are recommended at 3-month intervals for the first year and every 6 months for the next 2 years. After this, patient follow-up should occur annually.

• References

Consultations

Once a thoracic dissection is suspected, consult a thoracic surgeon. Because many patients with this disorder have concomitant medical illness, consult the patient's primary care provider to expedite preoperative preparation. Early consultation is encouraged when ordering further imaging studies if the patient requires rapid operative intervention.

Consult a radiologist prior to obtaining aortography. Although this imaging modality is no longer used as frequently as before in the initial diagnosis of aortic dissection, aortography can be useful during planning for endovascular stent placement.^[1]

• References

Transfer

Symptomatic patients require care at a facility equipped to perform cardiopulmonary bypass with aortic and/or valvular repair.

Contact the receiving physician as soon as possible to transfer patients before their condition deteriorates.

Early airway management is indicated in the presence of hemoptysis or stridor.

If coronary insufficiency is suspected, nitrates may be used, but therapy with thrombolytic agents and aspirin should be avoided.

Patients should be monitored and accompanied by personnel capable of resuscitation.

If a prolonged ground transport time is anticipated, consider air transport.

• References

Medications

Initial therapeutic goals include elimination of pain and reduction of systolic blood pressure to 100-120 mm Hg or to the lowest level commensurate with adequate vital organ (ie, cardiac, cerebral, renal) perfusion.

Whether systolic hypertension or pain is present, beta blockers are used to reduce arterial dP/dt.

To prevent exacerbations of tachycardia and hypertension, treat patients with IV morphine sulfate. This reduces the force of cardiac contraction and the rate of rise of the aortic pressure (dP/dt). It then retards the propagation of the dissection and delays rupture.

Antihypertensives

These agents are used to reduce arterial dP/dt. For acute reduction of arterial pressure, the potent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside is effective. To reduce dP/dt acutely, administer an IV beta blocker in incremental doses until a heart rate of 60-80 beats/min is attained.

When beta blockers are contraindicated, such as in second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, consider using calcium channel blockers. Sublingual nifedipine successfully treats refractory hypertension associated with aortic dissection.

Analgesics

Pain control is essential to quality patient care. It ensures patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and prevents exacerbations of tachycardia and hypertension.

Checking for dissection prior to the administration of thrombolytics in the patient presenting with chest pain and ECG changes

Multiple case reports describe patients who received thrombolytics and were found later to have a dissection. The diagnosis of aortic dissection can be subtle.

The diagnosis depends on clinical suspicion, with contributory findings on history, physical examination, and imaging studies.

Obtaining a chest radiograph prior to administering thrombolytics is considered prudent.

Checking blood pressures in both arms and listening for carotid bruits also can help to diagnose aortic dissection prior to administering thrombolytics. The entire clinical picture must be taken into account.

• References

Author

John M Wiesenfarth, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine; Assistant Physician-in-Chief for Quality, Patient Safety, Risk, and Medical/Legal, Service Line:Emergency Medicine, Kaiser-Permanente Hospital of Sacramento/Roseville

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editors

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Gary Setnik, MD, Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital; Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Disclosure: Medical Director for: SironaHealth.

Chief Editor

Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP, Program Director, Emergency Medicine, Einstein Medical Center Montgomery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Joseph J Sachter, MD, FACEP, Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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