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Open Access 29-01-2025 | Aortic Dissection | Case Report

Pregnancy-related chronic type A aortic dissection highlights the importance of thorough prenatal maternal examination

Authors: Cristina M. Șulea, Anna B. Kiss, Bence Ágg, Kálmán Benke, Elektra Bartha, Bálint Szilveszter, Roland Stengl, Máté Csonka, Zoltán Szabolcs, Miklós Pólos

Published in: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery | Issue 1/2025

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Abstract

Background

Aortic dissection occurs rarely during pregnancy but carries a significantly high vital risk for both the mother and the fetus. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for a successful outcome.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old pregnant woman at 31 weeks of gestation began experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations, which were attributed to an anxiety disorder she had been previously diagnosed with. The symptoms continued to worsen following the delivery when a chest computed tomography investigation revealed signs of chronic type A aortic dissection and an 80 mm post-dissection aneurysm of the ascending aorta. Aortic repair via composite aortic root replacement surgery (Bentall procedure) and partial aortic arch replacement was performed. The patient’s postoperative evolution was notable for a series of complications.

Conclusions

Our report highlights the importance of thorough maternal examination during pregnancy. The high mortality rates associated with aortic dissection occurring in pregnant women and the possibility of missed intervention due to atypical clinical presentation warrant the need for standardized international protocols aimed at the prevention and timely diagnosis of prenatal aortic disease.
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Metadata
Title
Pregnancy-related chronic type A aortic dissection highlights the importance of thorough prenatal maternal examination
Authors
Cristina M. Șulea
Anna B. Kiss
Bence Ágg
Kálmán Benke
Elektra Bartha
Bálint Szilveszter
Roland Stengl
Máté Csonka
Zoltán Szabolcs
Miklós Pólos
Publication date
29-01-2025
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery / Issue 1/2025
Electronic ISSN: 1749-8090
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13019-025-03357-2
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