Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ruptures of the descending thoracic aorta are life-threatening emergencies with traumatic and non-traumatic causes. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become a key treatment, but long-term outcome data remain limited. This study aimed to review our experience with TEVAR in patients with traumatic or non-traumatic rupture and identify factors associated with post-TEVAR survival. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2016, 56 patients (21 with traumatic rupture and 35 with non-traumatic rupture) underwent TEVAR at the West-German Heart and Vascular Center Essen, Germany. Data examined included demographics, comorbidities, biomarker levels, imaging results, intervention details, complications, and outcomes (30 days and follow-up). RESULTS: Patients with non-traumatic rupture were significantly older and had more cardiovascular comorbidities. Patients with traumatic rupture presented more frequently with hemodynamic shock and mediastinal hematoma (47 %). Left subclavian artery coverage was more common in traumatic rupture (57.1 % vs. 18.2 %). Long-term aortic complications were more frequent in non-traumatic rupture (33.3 % vs. 0 %). Patients with traumatic rupture showed significantly longer survival. The overall 30-day mortality was 14.3 % (4.7 % in traumatic rupture patients vs. 20 % in non-traumatic rupture patients) and long-term mortality was 64.5 % (33.3 % in traumatic rupture patients vs. 84.2 % in non-traumatic rupture patients). Age, hypertension, complications, and the aetiology of aortic rupture significantly affected survival. CONCLUSION: Patients with traumatic aortic rupture are younger, have healthier vessels, and show better outcomes after TEVAR. This may allow longer follow-up intervals in selected cases, while closer monitoring remains necessary for non-traumatic ruptures.