Pregnancy complicated with aortic dissection: Two cases report

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of pregnancy complicated with aortic dissection (AD), diagnosis and treatment plan, and maternal and infant outcomes. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two pregnant women suffered persistent back pain were admitted to Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital from December 2019 to December 2020. DIAGNOSIS: Pregnant women with chest and back pain and especially hypertension should be highly suspected of AD. However, to confirm diagnosis results, laboratory tests such as D-dimer, fibrinogen and white blood cells, and even some Special examination, cardiac ultrasound, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), are required. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve maternal and infant outcomes. INTERVENTIONS: Cesarean sections were performed in both patients. Case 1 underwent thoracic aortic stent implantation one day after the onset of AD symptoms. Case 2 received endovascular repair of AD 4 days after the onset of AD symptoms. OUTCOMES: In these two cases, good maternal and infant outcomes were obtained through effective early identification and treatment. LESSONS: AD is characterized with an acute onset, and the rates of misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis are high, which seriously endangers the life of mother and child. Hypertension is one of the high-risk factors causing AD. Good maternal and infant outcomes can be achieved by early identification, multidisciplinary collaboration and timely cardiac surgical intervention.