Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a severe condition that requires urgent
surgical treatment. Preoperative cardiopulmonary reanimation (CPR) was related to
increased mortality in this subgroup of patients. The present analysis aims to describe
outcomes in patients presenting with ATAAD and preoperative CPR from a single-center
experience.
Method: Between 1998 and 2021, a total of 90 patients where admitted with ATAAD and underwent
preoperative CPR. Clinical data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Endpoints
of the study were 30-day mortality and the diagnosis of postoperative neurologic deficit
(clinic and/or imaging based).
Results: In 13 (14.4%) cases, the patients died before surgery and in 3 (3.3%) cases, cardiopulmonary
bypass was established, but surgery could not be completed due to metabolic collapse
or aortic rupture. In the successfully operated patient group (n = 74), mean age was 63 years (SD: 12) and 31 (42%) patients were female. Of the CPR
events, 64 (86.5%) occurred in-hospital and 38 (59.4%) at our institution. The PENN
classification showed circulatory collapse (Ac class) in 30 (40.5%) patients, with
associated local ischemia (ABC class) in 42 (56.8%) cases. Operative time was 487
minutes (SD: 187 minutes). Operative temperature was 22°C (SD: 7°C) and an open distal
anastomosis was performed in 58 (78.4%) patients under antegrade (39.7%) or retrograde
(60.3%) selective cerebral perfusion. Primary mechanical circulatory support was needed
in 38 (51.4%) patients. Total length of ICU stay was 14 days (SD: 15 days). A postoperative
neurologic deficit was present in 29 (34%) patients, with a CT-based diagnosis of
stroke, cerebral bleeding, or edema in 19 (26%) cases. The 30-day mortality was 50%.
Conclusion: Preoperative CPR in patients presenting ATAAD correlates with extremely high mortality
and morbidity rates. The choice whether to operate or not should be taken on individual
basis, considering the high-risk constellation.