Surgical Management of Giant Cell Arteritis of the Proximal Aorta
Author Information
Author(s): Hosseini Motahar MD, Pochettino Alberto MD, Dearani Joseph A. MD, Castro-Varela Alejandra MD, Schaff Hartzell V. MD, King Katherine S. MS, Daly Richard C. MD, Greason Kevin L. MD, Crestanello Juan A. MD, Bagameri Gabor MD, Saran Nishant MBBS
Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
Hypothesis
Giant cell arteritis may present as proximal aortic pathology requiring surgical intervention.
Conclusion
Surgery in patients with GCA can be performed with acceptable early and late outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- The most common indication for surgery was ascending aortic aneurysm (97.3%).
- 30-day mortality was 1.5%.
- Advanced age, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease were identified as risk factors for worse survival.
- Postoperative surveillance is important as the need for aortic reintervention is not uncommon.
Takeaway
This study looked at patients with a condition called giant cell arteritis who needed surgery on their aorta. The results showed that the surgery generally went well and that doctors should keep an eye on these patients afterward.
Methodology
A retrospective review of 184 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery and were diagnosed with GCA on histopathology.
Potential Biases
There may be inherent selection bias due to the study being conducted at a tertiary referral center.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective nature and potential selection bias as it is a single-institution study.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 74 years, with 71.2% female participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.026-1.082
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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