title: Delayed mortality from aortic dissection post transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI): the tip of the iceberg.
abstract: We report two cases of autopsy confirmed aortic dissection as a cause of death following trans aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The TAVI procedures were performed via the transapical and transfemoral route, respectively, and death occurred several days after the index procedure and not immediately. This highlights a potential cause of delayed unexplained death days post TAVI and may be overlooked as a potential cause of death in patients undergoing this procedure. This also questions the empirical use of dual antiplatelet therapy following TAVI which could potentially exacerbate this phenomenon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom. rtgerber@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Osborn
authors.forename: Ghada W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Mikhail
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D001344:Autopsy; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013997:Time Factors