Type A Aortic Dissection during in pregnancy: Can We Succeed? Fend-Off
& Don’t Avert
Abstract
Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening clinical emergency
requiring timely surgical intervention. Concomitant with pregnancy at
any stage, it adds an additional level of complexity which mandates
careful planning for the management strategy that will yield the optimal
outcomes. It is life-threatening pathology to both the mother and
foetus, with mortality rates of up to 30% and 50% reported,
respectively. Safe imaging modalities that do no expose the foetus to
radiation and contrast are recommended to reach an accurate diagnosis.
In addition, meticulous multi-disciplinary team planning is pivotal to
ensure optimal outcomes are achieved through careful choice of surgical
technique as well as strict control of medications. Although TAAD in
pregnancy is associated with high mortality and morbidity to both the
mother and her foetus, success in the treatment of this small subset of
patients can certainly be achieved.