Type A dissections of the proximalaorta are generally managed with operative repair whereas Type B dissections of the descending aorta are generally managed medically. Even patients who are undergoing operative repair require optimal medical management. The two goals in the medical management of aortic dissection are to reduce blood pressure and to reduce the oscillatory shear on the wall of the aorta (the shear-force dP/dt or force of ejection of blood from the left ventricle). The target blood pressure should be a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 60 to 75 mmHg.
Medical Therapy
Step 1: Urgent Surgical Consultation
Simultaneous with the initiation of medical therapy as described below, urgent surgical consultation should be required regarding the potential need for operative repair of the dissection. Type A dissections of the proximalaorta are generally managed with operative repair whereas Type B dissections of the descending aorta are generally managed medically. Even patients who are undergoing operative repair require optimal medical management as described in the steps below.
Step 2: Rate Control
The initial step in the medical management of the patient with aortic dissection is rate control. Rate control reduces oscillatory shear stress as well as blood pressure. Rate control should be accomplished before vasodilators are administered in so far as vasodilators can increase oscillatory shear stress.
All patients should have an arterial line in the arm with the higher BP for accurate monitoring.
Intravenousbeta blockers can be administered and titrated to a heart rate of 60 bpm or less. The systolic blood pressure is kept at the lowest level that maintains adequate perfusion. Labetalol is an ideal agent in so far as it has both alpha and beta blocking properties. Initial treatment usually involves either labetalol (a 20 mg bolus followed by 20-80mg every 10 minutes to a total dose of 300 mg, or as an infusion of 0.5 to 2 mg/min) or Propranolol (1 to 10 mg load followed by 3mg/hr) with the goal being a heart rate of 60 beats per minutes. Lopressor can also be administered.
1. In patients presenting to the hospital with AAS, prompt treatment with anti-impulse therapy with invasive monitoring of BP with an arterial line in an ICU setting is recommended as initial treatment to decrease aortic wall stress.(Level of Evidence: B-NR)
2. Patients with AAS should be treated to an SBP <120 mm Hg or to lowest BP that maintains adequate end-organ perfusion, as well as to a target heart rate of 60 to 80 bpm.(Level of Evidence: C-LD)3. In patients with AAS, initial management should include intravenous beta blockers, except in patients with contraindications.(Level of Evidence: B-NR)
4. In patients with AAS, initial management should include intravenous vasodilators if the BP is not well controlled after initiation of intravenous beta-blocker therapy.(Level of Evidence: C-LD)5. Patients with AAS should be treated with pain control, as needed, to help with hemodynamic management.(Level of Evidence: C-EO)
In those with contraindications or intolerance to beta blockers, initial management with an intravenous non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker is reasonable for heart rate control.(Level of Evidence: B-NR)
2014 ESC Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Aortic Diseases (DO NOT EDIT)[2]
General Consideration for Patients with Aortic Dissection (DO NOT EDIT)[2]
"1.Hybrid approach is recommended in type A aortic dissection complicated with organ malperfusion.
a.Hybrid approach includes ascending aorta and/or arch replacement associated with any percutaneous aortic or branch artery procedure.(Level of Evidence: B)"[5][6][7][8][9][10]
Treatment of Aortic Dissection Type B (Uncomplicated) (DO NOT EDIT)[2]
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