Variability in the Treatment of High-Risk Type B Aortic Dissection at a Single Center

Although there are established high-risk features in acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD), its management is variable. This study characterizes complicated, uncomplicated, and high-risk TBAD in addition to their management and outcomes to gain insight into the actual significance of these high-risk features and the reality of real-world practice in managing TBAD. A retrospective review of 62 patients was conducted. Patient demographics, management, and outcomes were characterized and evaluated with Pearson's χ² test, Fisher's exact test, or analysis of variance. Of the 32 high-risk TBADs, 66% (n = 21) received endovascular repair, 31% (n = 10) were medically managed, and 3% (n = 1) received hybrid (open and endovascular) repair. Refractory hypertension and pain (52%, n = 11) were the most common high-risk features in patients with high-risk TBAD who received endovascular repair. A maximum aortic diameter of >40 mm (67%, n = 6) was the most common high-risk feature in patients who received medical management. The most prevalent high-risk feature for all treatment groups in the high-risk TBADs was an aortic diameter of >40 mm (n = 16; 50%). Adverse postoperative outcomes were highest in the high-risk and complicated groups with endoleak as the most common adverse outcome (high-risk 12.9%, complicated 13.6%). Of the 62 patients, 47% (n = 26) had follow-up since their admission with an average follow-up time of 69 ± 166 days. The significance of high-risk features in the management of high-risk TBAD remains unclear. This single-center experience with managing acute TBAD reveals the reality of inadequate follow-up that may be specific to this disease process. This highlights a need to direct more efforts to assess long-term outcomes after treatment.