Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Introduction: Iatrogenic aortocoronary dissection (IACD) is a life-threatening complication of coronary angiogram.
Clinical Case: A 66-year-old female with, history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on apixaban and DVT, presented to the emergency department due to epigastric discomfort. Ischemic evaluation was negative. Two weeks later patient had a follow up visit and reported ongoing symptoms. Coronary CT angiography was completed and showed 70-75% stenoses of Left Main and Left Anterior Descending arteries. The patient underwent coronary angiogram, confirming the diagnosis. During guide catheter introduction for IFR measurement, the artery was dissected and the dissection flap extended retrograde to the aortic root and ascending aorta. Prompt placement of a drug eluting stent in the left main was performed. Post-dilation, the dissection flap had closed. Patient was started on IV cangrelor, high dose beta blocker and transferred to the cardiac ICU. CTA chest demonstrated dissection flap in ascending and descending aorta. Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted and opted to observe with follow up imaging as patient was hemodynamically stable. Follow up CT chest showed a stable dissection flap, IV cangrelor was switched to aspirin and clopidogrel, and home apixaban was resumed. Hospital course was uneventful except for an episode of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, treated accordingly with beta blocker and amiodarone. CT chest in one month demonstrated an increase in aortic intramural thickness from 3.3mm to 9mm. Aspirin and apixaban were discontinued and retrievable IVC filter was placed. CT chest one month later demonstrated complete resolution of ascending intra-mural hematoma. Patient’s apixaban was resumed. CT chest in two weeks showed no new hematoma. IVC filter was removed and patient remained asymptomatic during the follow up course. Given patient had family history of aortic aneurysm and dissection, genetic testing was pursued and was negative.
Discussion: This patient had a rare, extensive IACD with extension to descending aorta which was managed medically. This patient required treatment with anti-coagulation, however due to expansion of hematoma, the risk of aortic rupture compared to stroke/clotting risk was deemed to be higher. She also was treated aggressively with high dose beta-blocker, as tolerated, to keep her heart rate below 60. Along with holding aspirin, these strategies resulted in hematoma resolution.