Tailored treatment modality in acute type A intramural hematoma

Objectives Intramural hematoma may be generated by a minimal intimal tear. Most surgeries for acute type A intramural hematoma are performed on the proximal aorta alone regardless of the intimal tear site. Under the assumption that major adverse aortic events (MAAEs) would be related to the location of primary intimal tear, we reviewed preoperative computed tomography scan findings. Methods Sixty patients with acute type A intramural hematoma who underwent surgery from January 2008 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The maximal diameter, maximal thickness of the intramural hematoma, and hematoma thickness ratio of the ascending and descending aortae were measured. MAAEs were defined as newly developed aortic dissection, rupture, newly developed penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU), enlargement of the PAU, and aortic death. Results The number of patients with PAU in the descending aorta (dPAU) was significantly higher in the MAAE (+) group. The MAAE (+) group showed lower measurements of the ascending aorta and higher measurements of the descending aorta than the MAAE (–) group. In the univariate analysis, dPAU, hematoma thickness ratio of the ascending and descending aortae, and descending aorta hematoma thickness >8.58 mm were risk factors of MAAE. Intimal tear noted intraoperatively and ascending aorta hematoma thickness >10.25 mm were protective factors of MAAE. Conclusions Aortopathies (ie, PAU, ulcer-like projections, and the hematoma thickness ratio) are important clues to determine the location of intimal tear. Occurrence of MAAEs seems to be highly related to the pathology of the descending aorta. The modalities of treatment for stable acute type A intramural hematoma that do not meet the existing guidelines should be tailored to the location of the intimal tear.