Surgical treatment of acute aortic dissection Stanford type A in the third trimester of pregnancy: A case report

BACKGROUND: Aortic dissection is rare in pregnancy, but it is often life-threatening. Thus, early diagnosis and optimal treatment are crucial. In addition, regular multidisciplinary care plays an important role in improving the therapeutic outcome. CASE: A 31-year-old pregnant woman (gravida 2, para 1, abortus 0) was transferred to our centre at 34 weeks of gestation with onset of dyspnoea and serious chest pain radiating to her back. Ultrasonography unexpectedly revealed a dilation of the aortic root with a sign of dissection. Computed tomography confirmed a type A aortic dissection based on the Stanford classification. She was successfully treated by caesarean section prior to open repair of acute type A dissection and received multidisciplinary care. The patient was discharged on the 16th postoperative day, and the baby is still alive without adverse events. CONCLUSION: Aortic dissection in pregnancy is relatively rare, but physicians should be on high alert for the condition when a pregnant woman has chest pain. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment in addition to regular multidisciplinary care are crucial to achieve favourable results.