Postoperative Maximal Aortic Diameter is a Significant Predictor of Dilation of the Residual Dissected Aorta after Aortic Replacement for Acute Debakey Type I Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the impact of aortic diameter on late aortic dilation of the residual dissected aorta after tear-oriented aortic replacement for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection.

METHODS

Of 133 patients who underwent aortic replacement for acute DeBakey type I/II aortic dissection between 2008 and 2019, 45 patients with a residual dissected aorta after surgery for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection and who underwent computed tomography at predischarge and after 1 year were retrospectively assessed. The aortic diameter and false lumen area were measured at 3 levels: the maximal aortic site, seventh thoracic vertebra, and celiac axis. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was employed to identify the predictors of late aortic dilation, defined as an aortic growth rate of ≥5 mm/year or a maximal aortic diameter of ≥55 mm.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 75 [range: 13-152] months, 6 patients (5 men; mean age: 57 ± 14 years) experienced aortic dilation. All 6 patients had the maximal aortic diameter between the distal aortic arch and seventh thoracic vertebra level at the last computed tomography. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the predischarge maximal aortic diameter was an independent determinant of late aortic dilation (hazard ratio: 2.28/mm, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-5.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Predischarge maximal aortic diameter is a significant predictor of late aortic dilation in patients with a residual dissected aorta after tear-oriented surgical repair of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection.