[Surgical treatment of acute type-B aortic dissection associated with cocaine use].

UNLABELLED

Cocaine abuse is on a rise in Hungary as well. It is known that cocaine users have a higher risk developing cardiovascular complications, for example aortic dissection. Almost all patients in Hungary suffering from type B aortic dissection are referred to our department for treatment.

AIM

We introduce the case of a regular cocaine user, who suffered an acute type B aortic dissection and was treated surgically. To our best knowledge this is the first similar case in our country to be published.

METHOD

Case presentation.

RESULTS

We performed a successful operation: acute thoracoabdominal aortic refenestration, no complication was detected. The patient is doing well three months after the procedure, returned to his regular activities, he is normotensively receiving medical treatment, and he gave up cocaine.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoabdominal aortic refenestration can save the life of patients presenting with acute type B dissection. Good long-term result depends on adequate hypertension control and cocaine abstinence. As the frequency of cocaine abuse increases in Hungary, similar cases may be more often encountered.