[Iatrogenic dissection of the right coronary artery and the ascending aorta during coronary intervention]

Abstract

Iatrogenic acute dissection of the ascending aorta following coronary angiography and percutaneous intervention is rare. The options for treatment are dictated by patient stability, nature of dissection of the coronary vessel, ability to restore the coronary circulation and extent of aortic dissection. Usually localized aortic dissections have been managed conservatively or treated by sealing the entry with a coronary stent. Extensive dissections may require a surgical intervention. We report the case of a 52-year-old man with iatrogenic dissection of the right coronary artery ostium and extension of the dissection to the ascending aorta during intraluminal angioplasty of an obstructive lesion in the first portion of the right coronary artery. The patient was managed conservatively without stenting (failure stenting of the right coronary artery) and without surgery. Aortic dissection was monitored by means of transesophageal echocardiography. Serial computed tomography scans demonstrated spontaneous resolution of the dissection. The evolution of the patient was satisfactory. Causes, frequency and treatment procedures of this iatrogeny are discussed.