Da Nang Hospital Saves 34-Year-Old Man with Genetic Disorder from Acute Aortic Dissection

Da Nang Hospital in central Vietnam has successfully saved the life of a 34-year-old male patient suffering from acute Type A aortic dissection, complicated by a genetic connective tissue disorder linked to gene mutations (Marfan syndrome). The medical team from the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Da Nang Hospital performed a successful emergency surgery on patient Nguyen A.T. (34 years old, residing in Hoa Cuong ward, Da Nang city). He presented with acute Type A aortic dissection, a condition stemming from a thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortic valve regurgitation, further complicated by Marfan syndrome. Previously, the patient was admitted to Da Nang Hospital with sudden, severe chest pain radiating to his abdomen. Diagnostic examinations, including Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA), revealed acute Type A thoracic aortic dissection on the background of a thoracic aortic aneurysm and severe aortic valve regurgitation, associated with Marfan syndrome. Notably, this dissection had already caused complications such as the occlusion of the right renal artery and the left iliac artery. The CTA also indicated that the dissection had progressed into both common carotid arteries, the left subclavian artery, and the origins of the coronary arteries. Given the life-threatening condition, the patient was deemed to require urgent surgical intervention after a multidisciplinary consultation. The surgical team from the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, in coordination with the Department of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, conducted the operation, employing complex techniques to address the aortic lesion and its associated complications. The surgery lasted over seven hours. One day post-operation, the patient had regained consciousness, showed no signs of weakness or paralysis, and his hemodynamics were stable. The ischemia in his left leg had resolved, and his liver and kidney functions were gradually improving. By the second day after surgery, he was able to eat and move around his room. Dr. Nguyen Minh Hai, Head of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Da Nang Hospital, stated that acute thoracic aortic dissection associated with Marfan syndrome carries a high mortality rate, with approximately 50% of patients succumbing within the first 24-48 hours if not treated surgically in a timely manner. It is noteworthy that the patient had a history of hypertension but had not adhered to treatment well. Hypertension is considered a significant risk factor for aortic dissection according to current recommendations. "Because Marfan syndrome is hereditary, when a case is diagnosed, family members should undergo screening and assessment of their cardiovascular system and aorta via echocardiography. Patients also need regular monitoring and blood pressure control as guided by their doctor. Early detection and timely treatment of Marfan syndrome and hypertension can help prevent severe aortic dissection complications and reduce the risk of mortality for patients," advised Dr. Hai. Source: Nhan Dan