Aortic dissection in pregnancy: analysis of risk factors and outcome

Ann Thorac Surg. 2003 Jul;76(1):309-14. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(03)00169-3.

Abstract

Aortic dissection during pregnancy is a life-threatening event. Recent studies have revealed similar histologic changes in the wall of the ascending aorta in patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAVD). Based on a review of the literature, including the experience from two institutions, we looked at the patient's characteristics in patients with thoracic aortic dissection during pregnancy. We found that aortic root enlargement (> 4cm) or an increase of aortic root size during pregnancy in patients with BAVD, and Marfan syndrome is associated with a considerable risk for the occurrence of Type A dissection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnosis
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / epidemiology
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Aortic Arch Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Aortic Arch Syndromes / epidemiology
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis
  • Aortic Dissection / epidemiology
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Marfan Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Marfan Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / surgery*
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Rate
  • Thoracotomy / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods*