Segmental arterial mediolysis leading to spontaneous rupture of splenic artery and fatal hemorrhage in pregnancy.

We report an unexpected death of a 22-year-old primigravida who was admitted to the hospital with sudden abdominal pain two days before a scheduled delivery. During an emergency caesarean section due to intrauterine asphyxia, intraabdominal bleeding was observed with no apparent source of bleeding. Newly formed blood clots in the subdiaphragmatic space and arterial bleeding near the splenic hilum required a surgery on the next day. Hemorrhagic shock led to multiple organ failure on the fourth day of admission. The autopsy revealed ruptured splenic artery at the pancreatic tail and near the splenic hilum. Microscopically, different stages of segmental arterial mediolysis were observed in partially thinned and aneurysmatic artery.

Timing of cardiac surgery during pregnancy: a patient-level meta-analysis.

AIMS: To investigate the association between the timing of cardiac surgery during pregnancy and both maternal and foetal outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Studies published up to 6 February 2021 on maternal and/or foetal mortality after cardiac surgery during pregnancy that included individual patient data were identified. Maternal and foetal mortality was analysed per trimester for the total population and stratified for patients who underwent caesarean section (CS) prior to cardiac surgery (Caesarean section (CaeSe) group) vs. patients who did not (Cardiac surgery (CarSu) group). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of both maternal and foetal mortality. In total, 179 studies were identified including 386 patients of which 120 underwent CS prior to cardiac surgery. Maternal mortality was 7.3% and did not differ significantly among trimesters of pregnancy (P = 0.292) nor between subgroup CaeSe and CarSu (P = 0.671). Overall foetal mortality was 26.5% and was lowest when cardiac surgery was performed during the third trimester (10.3%, P < 0.01). CS prior to surgery was significantly associated with a reduced risk of foetal mortality in a multivariable model [odds ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval [0.06-0.56)]. Trimester was not identified as an independent predictor for foetal nor maternal mortality. CONCLUSION: Maternal mortality after cardiac surgery during pregnancy is not associated with the trimester of pregnancy. Cardiac surgery is associated with high foetal mortality but is significantly lower in women where CS is performed prior to cardiac surgery. When the foetus is viable, CS prior to cardiac surgery might be safe. When CS is not feasible, trimester stage does not seem to influence foetal mortality.

Antepartum acute Stanford type A aortic dissection: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Aortic dissection in pregnancy is a life-threatening event that is associated with high maternal and foetal mortality. Most cases occur during the third trimester of pregnancy, Herein, we describe a case of a pregnant woman with acute type A aortic dissection at 28 weeks of gestation. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy, 24-year-old gravida 2 para 1 woman was brought to the emergency department during at the 28 weeks of gestation and diagnosed with acute type A aortic dissection. Cesarean section was performed with the cardiac surgical team on standby for cardiopulmonary bypass and the patient delivered a baby weighing 1000 g. After the operation, we performed the Beatall procedure and total arch replacement with FET using the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest technique. Both the mother and child survived and recovered well. A review of the literature on antepartum acute aortic dissection during pregnancy is also presented. CONCLUSION: Women should have a comprehensive, systematic physical examination before getting pregnant. Women at high risks of aortic dissection must undergo multidisciplinary evaluation and be counseled before pregnancy, once they become pregnant, their consistent aortic root diameter should be consistently monitored, and their blood pressure strictly controlled.

Splenic artery aneurysm rupture in pregnancy: challenges in diagnosis and the importance of multidisciplinary management.

This case of acute rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm in a patient 35 weeks pregnant demonstrates the difficulties in diagnosis and importance of multidisciplinary team management for surgical emergencies in pregnancy. A women in her early 30s presented at 35 weeks pregnant with sudden onset of severe epigastric pain and shortness of breath and was found to be tachycardic with a raised lactate. Differentials included a possible vascular event or pulmonary embolism. A CT scan demonstrated free fluid and likely ruptured splenic artery aneurysm. A rapid, thorough preoperative meeting enabled us to integrate multidisciplinary care effectively. She underwent coiling of her splenic artery, which was essential to reduce further intraoperative blood loss, followed by a midline incision for caesarean section of her baby and splenectomy. She had a long stay in the intensive care unit (ITU) and complex postoperative course but was discharged after 2 months to be reunited with her baby who was in good condition.

Aortic dissection in the first trimester; is it a dead end? A narrative review of recent articles.

INTRODUCTION: Acute-type aortic dissection (AD) during pregnancy is considered a rare and potentially fatal complication for both mother and fetus. Although the definite treatment for an acute-type AD is considered to be open-heart surgery, the decision to perform such a surgery during pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach and carries significant risks. METHODS: In the present review of the literature, we have discussed various challenges in the management of acute-type AD during pregnancy, including therapeutic approaches, choosing the preferred imaging modalities, surgical techniques, and medication challenges. We have also reported an 8-week pregnant woman with Marfan syndrome who presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with acute AD. RESULTS: The patient underwent a Bentall operation and was discharged in good condition with her fetus alive. The medical team's various decisions during preoperative, operative, and postoperative treatments were discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Type A AD is considered infrequent in the second and third trimester of pregnancy and rare in the first trimester. Performing a CMR study without contrast in stable patients can help evaluate the extension of the flap. Urgent surgery in the hands of a skilled surgeon may prove lifesaving for the mother while maximizing the likelihood of preserving the fetus.

Management of mechanical aortic valve thrombosis during the first trimester of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. On the other hand, cardiac surgery is not so common for pregnant women. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a pregnant woman with diagnosed thrombosis of the mechanical aortic valve in the 12th gestational week. The patient underwent surgery, and successfully completed her pregnancy till the 37th gestational week. CONCLUSION: We showed that, despite general anaesthesia during the first trimester of pregnancy, the application of the nonpulsatile flow of extracorporeal circulation and mild hypothermia, the operation was successfully completed and that both mother and fetus survived.

A Surgical Case for Pregnancy-Related Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

The efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting for pregnancy-related spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is controversial, as graft occlusion due to SCAD lesion healing has been reported. Only 24 grafts in 14 cases of coronary artery bypass grafting for SCAD have been reported: 8 of the 9 arterial grafts were occluded, but 9 of the 15 vein grafts were patent. We encountered a case of coronary artery bypass grafting with left internal thoracic artery to the left antero-descending branch due to pregnancy-related SCAD. The patient's graft revealed good patency immediately postoperatively but string signs 7 months later due to healing of SCAD lesions.

Redo surgery for a type A aortic dissection in a pregnant woman with Marfan syndrome: a complex clinical case.

Aortic dissection during pregnancy is a very rare event in the general population but can be fatal to both the mother and the fetus. A rate of dissection as high as 10% was observed in pregnant patients affected by Marfan syndrome. Facing this kind of disease can represent a challenge for the involved physicians because of its rarity. Here we present the case of an aortic dissection in a pregnant woman with Marfan syndrome who previously underwent an open heart surgery for a mitral prolapse. The diagnosis and the treatment of this case, given the mid-term gestational age combined with an increased surgical risk due to the reintervention, required a particular effort by our team. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of this patient was the key to achieve a favorable outcome both for the mother and for the baby.

Early Outcomes of Emergency Surgery for Left-Sided Mechanical Valve Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Valve thrombosis is a potentially lethal complication of mechanical cardiac valves. We examined the clinical characteristics as well as the early outcomes of patients undergoing emergency surgery for left-sided mechanical valve thrombosis. METHODS: Between January 2012 and May 2020, 104 consecutive patients were offered an emergency redo surgery for acute mechanical valve thrombosis. Ninety-seven of these patients were included in the current study. RESULTS: The mean age was 34.2 ± 10.3 years. Most of the patients were females (61 patients), and 27 patients (27.8%) were pregnant. The mitral valve was the site of thrombosis in 81 patients. Inadequate anticoagulation was found in 60.8% of patients. The overall early mortality was 32.9% (32 patients) with an operative mortality of 25.7%. Outcomes in the pregnant subgroup tended to be worst with a maternal mortality in the range of 37%, and with fetal and neonatal survival as low as 33.3%. CONCLUSION: The overall mortality in cases of mechanical valve thrombosis warranting surgery remains high. Since inadequate anticoagulation seems to be one of the major precipitating factors, the current study highlights the need for improvements in anticoagulation practices. The use of tissue valves should also be contemplated more seriously in some younger patients, especially females expressing the desire for future pregnancies.

Case report: a novel approach for the emergency repair of acute aortic rupture associated with congenital aortic Coarctation.

BACKGROUND: Congenital aortic coarctation (CoA) associated with aortic rupture is a rare but extremely lethal condition. In pregnant patients, the condition becomes very risky. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented a case of a pregnant (20 weeks gestation) patient with CoA associated with ruptured aortic pseudoaneurysm who was successfully rescued using a novel hybrid strategy. CONCLUSIONS: This hybrid approach may be a life-saving bridging intervention in patients with CoA associated with devastating complications, such as ruptured aneurysms, especially with extremely narrowed access.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pregnancy Concurrent with Asymptomatic Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Aortic dissection (AD) refers to false lumen dissected from true lumen via the internal membrane when endovascular blood flows into the aortic wall through the cleavage, which is formed after endomembrane gape of the aortic wall. Aortic dissection is a disease of extreme danger. Pregnancy is an independent risk factor for aortic dissection. Pregnancy concurrent with aortic dissection rarely is seen, not to mention pregnancy concurrent with asymptomatic aortic dissection. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 34-year-old female patient, who was 25+ weeks pregnant, concurrent with aortic dissection. She was accepted by our hospital and successfully treated. Retrospective analysis of clinical data was carried out in this paper by combining related literature. CONCLUSION: This disease should be correctly straightened out to prevent misdiagnosis and save the patient's life. Multidisciplinary joint decisions should be made to save lives of the patient and her fetus.

Pregnancy and delivery in a patient with a Fontan circulation and primary ciliary dyskinesia: A case report.

A patient had primary ciliary dyskinesia with a complex cardiac malformation. As a child, she had benefited from a Fontan surgery to maintain a proper cardiac function. In such patients, whether it is safe to become pregnant is controversial. This case illustrates the possibility of carrying a pregnancy to term and providing a vaginal birth if a rigorous preconception consultation is performed to ensure care by a multidisciplinary specialized team, and the patient is properly informed of the risks.

Mitral valve thrombosis in term pregnancy: A case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: With this case report would like to emphasize the complexity that involves the management of pregnant women with mechanical heart valves. In that sense, an adequate interdisciplinary management of this potentially serious pathology is required for maternal and fetal well-being. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old primipara, with a mechanical mitral valve replacement, was admitted to our emergency department at 37+1 weeks of gestation with acute dyspnea and presyncope. The patient was diagnosed with mechanical mitral valve thrombosis and, due to the appearance of hemodynamic instability, the patient underwent an uncomplicated emergency caesarean section and subsequent prosthetic mitral valve replacement. The patient was discharged six days after surgery, without any obstetric complication and with normal valve function. CONCLUSION: This case report shows that, despite strict control and optimal anticoagulation regimen, pregnant women with mechanical heart valves still have a high risk of developing valve thrombosis.

Pernicious pregnancy: Type B aortic dissection in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) occurs seldomly, particularly in pregnancy, but has disastrous consequences for both mother and fetus. The focus of immediate surgical repair of type A aortic dissection due to higher mortality of patients is less clear in its counterpart, TBAD, in which management is controversial and debated. This article collates knowledge so far on this rare event during pregnancy. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, and Medline. Key search terms included "type B aortic dissection," "pregnancy," and corresponding synonyms. Non-English papers were excluded. RESULTS: Risk factors for TBAD include aortic wall stress due to hypertension, previous cardiac surgery, structural abnormalities (bicuspid aortic valve, aortic coarctation), and connective tissue disorders. In pregnancy, pre-eclampsia is a cause of increased aortic wall stress. Management of this condition is often conservative, but this is dependent on a number of factors, including gestation, cardiovascular stability of the patient, and symptomology. In most cases, a cesarean section before intervention is carried out unless certain indications are present. CONCLUSIONS: Due to a scarce number of cases across the decades, it is difficult to determine which management is optimal. The gold-standard management of TBAD has traditionally been the medical treatment for uncomplicated cases and open surgery for those needing urgent intervention, but with the advent of techniques, such as thoracic endovascular aortic repair, the management of these group of patients continues to develop.

Acute aortic dissection during pregnancy: Trials and tribulations.

BACKGROUND: Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAD) during pregnancy is a life-threatening event for both the mother and the unborn baby. Pregnancy has been recognized as an independent risk factor for TAAD, postulated to be due to physiological changes that cause hyperdynamic circulation. This review seeks to outline the current controversies around this unique group. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was carried out across large databases to assimilate relevant papers regarding acute aortic dissection in pregnant women. RESULTS: The presentation can be atypical in many cases and further concern from clinicians of fetal radiation exposure can result in missed or delayed diagnoses. Investigation via the quickest form of imaging, whether computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or transesophageal echocardiography, should be carried out promptly due to the high risk of mortality. Surgical management of TAAD in pregnancy revolves primarily around the decision to deliver the fetus concomitantly or to perform the aortic repair with the fetus in utero. CONCLUSIONS: Management of this group includes rapid and dynamic assessment without delay. From conception to postpartum, there are multiple stages in which to manage these women. Challenges in carrying out management in the form of operative techniques and cardiopulmonary bypass place the fetus at risk and must be approached with caution, particularly as there is little evidence-base for many of these decisions. Further research into reducing maternal and fetal mortality is necessary.

Laparoscopic Resection of a Splenic Artery Aneurysm with Vascular Reconstruction During Pregnancy.

Splenic artery aneurysms (SAA) are more frequent in women and have a high rupture risk during pregnancy, with catastrophic outcomes. It is advisable to treat these aneurysms in pregnant and fertile women, whatever their diameter, given their increased risk for rupture. There are several therapeutic approaches: endovascular surgery using coil embolization or stent graft coverage; laparoscopic or open surgical resection with arterial reconstruction and ligation followed by splenectomy when necessary. This paper aims to report the successful treatment of SAA in second-trimester pregnant women using a laparoscopic approach with aneurysm resection and arterial reconstruction. This is a unique report of a minimally invasive approach with arterial reconstruction in a pregnant woman, thus reducing the risk of spleen infarction and potentially avoiding splenectomy.

[Cardiac operation and interventional therapy during pregnancy： an analysis of outcome].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of open cardiac operation and interventional therapy in pregnant patients and describe the feto-neonatal and maternal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of 39 cases of women undergoing open cardiac operation or interventional therapy during pregnancy was conducted in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from Jan. 2014 to Oct. 2019. Results: The age of 39 pregnant women with gestational heart disease was (30±6) years old (21-43 years old). Among them, 37 cases were single and 2 cases were twin pregnancy. Modified World Health Organization (mWHO) pregnancy risk classification were all level Ⅳ. There were 22 women receiving cardiac operation under cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy, 14 patients undergoing percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty, 2 patients accepting percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, and 1 case receiving atrial septal defect occluder with ultrasound guidance. Three were no maternal deaths during and after the operation. One patient had an inevitable abortion. Four fetuses died in the uterine after open cardiac surgery. There patients chose termination of the pregnancy after cardiac operation. There were 31 live birth, in which 7 cases were preterm live birth and 24 patients were term live birth. The total number of newborns were 33. Two fetuses suffered neonatal intracranial hemorrhage and died after birth. Thirty-one fetuses were alive and born without any abnormity. Conclusion: For pregnant women with high risk of cardiovascular disease and classified as mWHO pregnancy risk level Ⅳ, cardiopulmonary bypass and interventional therapy during pregnancy could be used as an alternative for better materal and fetal outcomes.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation without radiation exposure in a 13th week pregnant woman with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

A 36-year-old woman with 12-week gestation visited the emergency department, complaining of palpitations. Her electrocardiography (ECG) demonstrated ventricular pre-excitation combined with atrial fibrillation. The polarity of the delta waves in leads V5, V6, I, and aVL were positive and negative in leads V1, III, and aVF, suggesting that the accessory pathway (AP) was located on the right posterior free wall. She did not want to take any medicine to prevent the tachycardia. Moreover, the shortest pre-excited RR interval during the atrial fibrillation was 200 ms, so we decided to ablate the AP without fluoroscopy. An electrophysiology study was performed with guidance of a 3-dimension (3D) navigation system and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). We ablated the right free wall AP without fluoroscopy. A follow-up ECG no longer exhibited any delta waves. Even in the early period of pregnancy, catheter ablation might be performed safely using ICE and a 3D navigation system without fluoroscopy. Therefore, it could more often be considered as a therapeutic option in pregnant women without concern for radiation exposure.