Circumferential Dissection of the Ascending Aorta “Intimo-Intimal Intussusception”

Abstract

We describe a rare case of acute Stanford type A dissection with “intimo-intimal intussusception.” A 38-year-old male with sudden back pain and unconsciousness was admitted to the hospital. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed the presence of an intimal flap in the aortic root and the aortic arch, absence of an intimal flap in the ascending aorta along with dilatation and occlusion of the brachiocephalic artery. Surgical treatment consisted of ascending aorta replacement under circulatory arrest. During the operation, complete circumferential detachment of the intima at the level of the sinotubular junction with an inverted flap intruding into the brachiocephalic artery was visualized. The surgery was successful with an uneventful postoperative recovery.