Predicting Distal Aortic Remodeling After Endovascular Repair for Chronic DeBakey III Aortic Dissection

Abstract

Background: Chronic DeBakey III aortic dissection is typically managed with open aortic reconstruction. Thoracic endovascular aortic grafting (TEVAR) has been attempted in patients with chronic DeBakey III with improved outcomes over medical management, however with frequent failures. This study investigates factors associated with positive aortic remodeling from a large aortic center.

Methods: Three-dimensional reconstructions (M2S, West Lebanon, NH) of computed tomography angiography scans of 48 patients who underwent TEVAR from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed. The dissection was characterized, and measurements were obtained from preoperative and postoperative scans at four time points. Standard univariate Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze continuous and ordinal/nominal data, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed.

Results: In a multivariate logistic model, having fewer than two visceral vessels off the true lumen was a negative predictor of total thrombosis (odd ratio [OR] 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: <0.01 to 0.84, p = 0.04). In a logistic model that predicted total thrombosis in zones 3 and 4, maximum diameter 2 cm above the celiac axis was a significant negative predictor (OR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.99, p = 0.05). In a model that predicted failure of the maximum overall diameter of the descending aorta to regress within 1 year after TEVAR, maximum overall diameter preoperatively (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.29, p = 0.03) and tear location on the greater curve (OR 18.1, 95% CI: 1.3 to 243, p = 0.03) were significant positive predictors.

Conclusions: TEVAR is feasible in chronic dissection but is limited by complex dissection-related anatomy. Increasing number of visceral vessels off the false lumen, maximum preoperative aortic size, and location of the primary tear on the greater curve were associated with poorer remodeling.