Acute aortic dissection type A

Background: Acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) is a life-threatening vascular emergency. Clinical presentation ranges from pain related to the acute event, collapse due to aortic rupture or pericardial tamponade, or manifestations of organ or limb ischaemia. The purpose of this review was to clarify important clinical issues of AADA management, with a focus on diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Methods: Based on a MEDLINE search the latest literature on this topic was reviewed. Results from the German Registry for Acute Aortic Dissection Type A (GERAADA) are also described. Results: Currently, the perioperative mortality rate of AADA is below 20 per cent, the rate of definitive postoperative neurological impairment approaches 12 per cent and the long-term prognosis after surviving the acute phase of the disease is good. Many pathology- and therapy-associated factors influence the outcome of AADA, including prompt diagnosis with computed tomography and better cerebral protection strategies during aortic arch reconstruction. Endovascular technologies are emerging that may lead to less invasive treatment options. Conclusion: AADA is an emergency that can present with a wide variety of clinical scenarios. Advances in the surgical management of this complex disease are improving outcomes. Copyright (c) 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.