Uncommon presentation of acute type A aortic dissection: sleeve-severed and everted proximal right coronary artery intima without myocardial ischaemia

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2024 Sep 20;19(1):538. doi: 10.1186/s13019-024-03040-y.

Abstract

Background: Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) with coronary involvement is rare but potentially fatal. Proper myocardial protection during surgery is essential.

Case presentation: Here, we describe a 52-year-old woman who presented with sudden chest pain. CT angiography revealed TAAD with right coronary artery involvement. During surgery, the proximal intima of the right coronary artery was found to be completely severed and everted. Conventional myocardial perfusion methods were inadequate. A patented perfusion tip for coronary artery orifice perfusion was used, resulting in favourable surgical outcomes. The patient was discharged without complications.

Conclusions: This case emphasizes the need for careful preoperative assessment of coronary involvement in TAAD patients. The myocardial protection method used here is very helpful and can be applied effectively in similar cases encountered by surgeons.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic* / diagnosis
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic* / surgery
  • Aortic Dissection* / diagnosis
  • Aortic Dissection* / surgery
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Vessels* / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Vessels* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Ischemia / surgery
  • Tunica Intima / diagnostic imaging
  • Tunica Intima / pathology