Management of Complete Aortic Dissection in a 65-Year-Old Male: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition characterized by a tear in the aortic wall that separates its layers. Complete aortic dissection involves both the ascending and descending aorta, necessitating prompt diagnosis and intervention. We present a case report of a 65-year-old male with a complete aortic dissection and discuss the challenges and management strategies employed in his treatment. Case Presentation: A 75-year-old male with a history of hypertension presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset severe chest and back pain. Physical examination revealed unequal blood pressure readings in both arms, suggesting aortic involvement. Urgent computed tomography angiography (CTA) and TTE confirmed the diagnosis of a complete aortic dissection extending from the aortic root to the iliac arteries. The patient was promptly transferred to the operating room for surgical intervention. Discussion: The management of complete aortic dissection requires a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiovascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and anesthesiologists. In this case, emergency surgery was performed to address the life-threatening condition. Aortic root replacement and ascending aorta repair were performed, followed by stent graft placement in the descending aorta to exclude the false lumen. Postoperative care involved close monitoring for potential complications such as renal dysfunction, paraplegia, and cardiac ischemia. Conclusion: Prompt diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial in the management of complete aortic dissection. Collaboration among healthcare professionals is essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term outcomes and identify strategies for preventing complications in patients with complete aortic dissection.