Coronary Malperfusion Secondary to Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: Surgical Management Based on a Modified Neri Classification

Abstract

Background: Coronary malperfusion (CM) secondary to acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is considered rare but has a high mortality rate. This study examined the incidence, management, and outcomes of patients with CM secondary to ATAAD and proposes a modified Neri classification. Methods: Between 2015 and 2020, out of 1018 patients who underwent surgical repair for ATAAD, 137 presented with CM, including 68 (49.6%), 43 (31.3%), and 15 (10.9%) with Neri types A, B, and C, respectively, and 11 (8.0%) with coronary orifice intimal tear (COIT), which we consider a novel category. Results: The occurrence rate of CM was 13.4%. CM was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (18.2% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001). For Neri type A (98.5%) and most type B lesions (72.1%), coronary repair was adequate. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was necessary for type B patients unsuited for repair (23.2%) and for all type C patients (100%). Repair of COIT was possible (45.5%). The in-hospital mortality rates differed significantly among the four lesion groups (p = 0.006). Conclusions: The occurrence of CM secondary to ATAAD may be more frequent than previously reported. Surgical management based on lesion classification achieved acceptable outcomes. Repair was adequate for Neri type A and most type B lesions. Other type B and type C lesions could be treated by CABG. Coronary orifice intimal tear is a unique set of lesions, for which orifice repair was also possible.