Peripartum Type A Aortic Dissection Repair Using Frozen Elephant Trunk Technique.

ABSTRACT

A 43-year-old woman with abdominal and back pain during childbirth consulted us 1 day postdelivery. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed partially thrombosed type A aortic dissection with intimal tear in the proximal descending thoracic aorta. Conservative antihypertensive treatment was started. However, her abdominal pain progressively deteriorated. Repeat CT revealed narrowing of the descending aorta true lumen and progressive bowel malperfusion. Total arch replacement was urgently performed using the frozen elephant trunk technique. Postoperative CT showed true lumen widening and symptom disappearance. Follow-up CT demonstrated excellent aortic remodeling.