Postpartum Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening disease. Approximately half of the aortic dissection observed in women under 45 years old has been reported to be related to pregnancy. Herein, we present a case of type A aortic dissection diagnosed in postpartum period. A 37-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with the complaint of sudden onset of dyspnea. Arterial blood pressure was measured as 170/100 mmHg in left arm and 90/60 mmHg in right arm. With a prediagnosis of aortic dissection, thoracic and abdominal computed tomograpy was performed and type A aortic dissection extending form carotid artery to renal arterial level was detected. Operation of aortic dissection together with coronary arterial repairment and aortic valve replacement were successfully performed. Aortic dissection is not uncommon in pregnancy and furthermore it is potentially life-threatening for both mother and fetus. A high level of suspicion is required for prompt diagnosis and treatment in the peripartum period.

Keywords: Aortic dissection; Postpartum; Pregnancy.

Figure 1

Stanford type A aortic dissection involving the proximal aorta with a prominent intimal flap; a: transverse plane, b: saggital plane.