Chronic descending aortic dissections

Edwin C. McGee, Duc Thinh Pham, Thomas G. Gleason*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aortic dissection involving the descending aorta has a predictable and often debilitating course of progressive dilatation that occurs once patients survive the acute phase of the disease. Important factors that impact the rate and degree of dilatation include the persistence of a false lumen channel (and the amount of thrombus), the control of hypertension, and the presence of an underlying connective tissue disorder. The mainstay of management of chronic descending aortic dissections is antihypertensive therapy including β-blockade until the dissected aorta becomes significantly aneurysmal. Surgical management is recommended at that point. Multiple advances have been made that have improved the results of operative repair of aneurysmal descending aortic dissections including circulation management methodologies, CSF drainage, neurocerebral monitoring, and more recently, endovascular therapies. The presentation, diagnosis and management of chronic descending aortic dissections are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)262-267
Number of pages6
JournalSeminars in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

Keywords

  • Aortic replacement
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass
  • Chronic type B aortic dissection
  • Spinal cord protection
  • β-blockade

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Surgery

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