We describe a rare case of an acute aortic type A dissection after previous aortic
valve replacement and coronary artery revascularization complicated by a contained
rupture and right ventricular wall dissection. Although preoperatively echocardiography
and CT scan described a pericardial hematoma, intraoperatively no intrapericardial
hematoma was found; instead an extended right ventricular wall dissection caused by
a large thrombus formation within the right ventricular muscle layers was demonstrated.
After replacement of the ascending aorta and removal of the thrombus as the sole treatment
for right ventricular wall dissection, the two dissected layers of the right ventricular
wall were contracting synchronously again.
Aortic disease - contained rupture - ventricular wall dissection
