Endovascular approach in isolated abdominal aortic dissections

Abstract

Background Here, we report the mid-term results of endovascular treatment of isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta, which is a very rare pathology. Materials and methods A total of 11 patients (4 males (36.3%) and 7 females (63.6%)) aged 42–72 (mean, 60.3 ± 10.45) years with isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta underwent endovascular stent-graft treatment at our institution between August 2010 and September 2015. Eight patients were symptomatic, and the remaining three were asymptomatic. The asymptomatic patients had aortic aneurysms coexisting with dissection. Eight patients without aneurysm had spontaneous dissections, and the most common symptom was unresponsive abdominal pain. Results The mean abdominal aorta diameter was 46.7 ± 20.6 (range, 31.2–100.9) mm and the mean dissection length was 71.1 ± 47.3 (range, 17–162) mm. Aorto-bi-iliac stent grafts were used in all patients, and were placed successfully under spinal anesthesia in all but one (90.9%) patient. Occlusion developed in one patient due to compression of the aorto-bi-iliac graft. Right–left femoral–femoral bypass was performed in this patient, who could not be placed on the opposite side. In addition, the graft was placed in one patient using the left renal artery chimney technique. No intraoperative mortality occurred, and open surgery was not required. In addition, no death occurred and no additional intervention was required during the mean follow-up period of 25.5 ± 17.1 (range, 6–60) months. Conclusion Limited data regarding endovascular treatment of isolated dissection of the abdominal aorta are available in the literature. Based on data obtained in a limited number of patients, we consider endovascular aortic repair to be a good alternative to surgery due to its low morbidity and mortality rates.