Aorto-atrial fistula 10 days after dissection repair in giant cell arteritis.

Haddad, Fadia; El-Rassi, Issam; Haddad, Fadi G; Nemnoum, Rita; Jebara, Victor A · Ann Thorac Surg · 2008

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Active aortitis caused by giant cell arteritis occurs more commonly than has been previously appreciated, and ascending aortic dissection may occur despite medical therapy, without a preexisting aneurysm or ectasia. We report a case of acute type A aortic dissection in a patient already treated for giant cell arteritis. The aortic root was left intact during the initial surgery, but was completely removed 10 days later after an early postoperative aorto-atrial fistula. Complete removal of the aortic root (Bentall procedure) has been advocated in these patients to prevent late additional aortic complications.

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