Extensive Retrograde Coronary Dissection into the Ascending Thoracic Aorta, Clinical Case Report

Extensive Retrograde Coronary Dissection into the Ascending Thoracic Aorta, Clinical Case Report

Retrograde dissection extending into the ascending thoracic aorta is a life threatening complication during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This form of severe coronary dissection is very rarely observed. Aortic dissection extending >40 mm up the aorta in hemodynamically unstable patients is usually treated by а surgical intervention. We present a case of coronary artery dissection during a PCI where retrograde dissection extending progressively into the ascending thoracic aorta was observed. The complication was accompanied by hemodynamic instability but was successfully treated with stenting without an operation.