Fate of the native aorta after repair of acute type A dissection: a magnetic resonance imaging study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine late patency of the aortic false lumen and propensity for aneurysm formation after repair of type A dissection.


METHODS
Retrospective follow up study.


METHODS
Regional cardiac surgical unit.


METHODS
28 patients after repair of type A dissection.


METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed between 6 weeks and 12 months after operation.


RESULTS
A patent distal false lumen with demonstrable blood flow was found in 22 patients (78%). Only six patients had complete obliteration of the false lumen by thrombus. The conduct of operation did not influence this. Nine patients (32%) showed aneurysmal dilatation of the false lumen and three had a repeat operation.


CONCLUSIONS
So-called "successful repair" of aortic dissection does not obliterate the distal false lumen. MRI is a safe and effective radiological procedure for determining patency and dilatation in the false lumen. Patients with type A dissection with blood flow in the false lumen should be studied every 6 months to look for aneurysmal dilatation.
Moore
N R
NR
Oxford Heart Centre, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, UK.
Parry
A J
AJ
Trottman-Dickenson
B
B
Pillai
R
R
Westaby
S
S
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014654:Vascular Patency