Effects of partial thrombosis on distal aorta after repair of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection

Objective: Prognostic implications of partial thrombosis of the residual aorta after repair of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection have not been elucidated. We sought to analyze the impact of partial thrombosis on segmental growth rates, distal aortic reprocedures, and long-term survival.

Methods: A total of 118 consecutive patients (55% were male; mean age, 60 years) with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection underwent surgical repair (1997-2007). The hospital mortality rate was 17.8%. Survivors underwent serial computed tomography scans. Segment-specific average rates of enlargement were analyzed. Distal reprocedures and patient survival were examined.

Results: Sixty-six patients had imaging data sufficient for growth rate calculations. The median diameters within 2 weeks after repair were as follows: aortic arch, 3.5 cm; descending aorta, 3.6 cm; and abdominal aorta, 2.4 cm. Subsequent growth rates were artic arch, 0.34 mm/y, descending aorta, 0.51 mm/y, and abdominal aorta, 0.35 mm/y. Partial thrombosis of the residual aorta predicted greater growth in the distal aorta (P = .005). There were 13 distal aortic reprocedures (5 reoperations, 8 stent graft insertions) for 10 years, and reprocedure-free survival was 66%. Partial thrombosis (P = .002) predicted greater risk of aorta-related reprocedures. Cox analysis revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P = .030), reintubation (P = .002), and partial thrombosis (P = .023) were independent predictors for poor survival.

Conclusion: Partial thrombosis of the false lumen after repair of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection, compared with complete patency or complete thrombosis, is a significant independent predictor of aortic enlargement, aorta-related reprocedures, and poor long-term survival.