HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Personal Folders Download to citation manager Author home page(s): Stefano Elia Permission Requests Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Porcellini, M. Articles by Bracale, G. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Porcellini, M. Articles by Bracale, G.

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 1999;16:414-417
© 1999 Elsevier Science NL

Intramural hematoma of the thoracic aorta in octogenarians: is non operation justified?

^a Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical School, Federico II, University, Naples, Italy
^b Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical School, Federico II, University, Naples, Italy
^c Department of Radiology, Medical School, Federico II, University, Naples, Italy

Corresponding author. Present address: Viale Letizia 2, 80131 Naples, Italy. Tel.: +39-81-746-2630; fax: +39-81-545-2893

Objective: The prognostic factors and treatment options for thoracic aortic intramural hematoma are controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the most suitable treatment of this condition in very elderly patients. Methods: In a review of the world literature, eight octogenarians with thoracic aortic intramural hematoma were found; to these the three cases reported here must be added. The descending thoracic aorta was involved in eight cases and the ascending/arch in three. Results: In spite of patients’ poor general conditions, the medical treatment group showed survival rates of 85.7% (descending) and 66.6% (ascending/arch), respectively. Conclusion: Extensive atherosclerotic changes of the aortic wall in the elderly, combined with control of hypertension, may probably prevent thoracic aortic intramural hematoma from progressing to dissection, with a favourable outcome. An earlier and more accurate preoperative diagnosis by modern diagnostic techniques, including spiral computed tomography (CT), as were performed in our own patients, will allow optimal treatment and increased patient survival.

Key Words: Aorta, thoracic • Hematoma • Diagnostic imaging • Treatment • Prognosis • Elderly patient

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. W. Lissin and R. Vagelos Acute aortic syndrome: a case presentation and review of the literature Vascular Medicine, November 1, 2002; 7(4): 281 - 287. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. L. Tittle, R. J. Lynch, P. E. Cole, H. S. Singh, J. A. Rizzo, G. S. Kopf, and J. A. Elefteriades Midterm follow-up of penetrating ulcer and intramural hematoma of the aorta J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., June 1, 2002; 123(6): 1051 - 1059. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]