Influence of Aortic Dissection on the Clotting-Fibrinolysis System and Platelet Function

Coagulopathy is still a frequent complication in the surgical treatment of acute aortic dissection. This study was designed to clarify the influence of acute aortic dissection on the clotting-fibrinolysis system and platelet function. From January 1993 to December 1994 21 patients with proven Stanford type B aortic dissection underwent a series of tests and procedures at our institution. There were 6 women and 15 men, aged 37–74 years (mean 62 years). All patients were admitted within 14 days of onset of dissection. No patient had complications requiring surgery and none died during the observation period. We observed a severe inflammatory reaction with activation of the clotting-fibrinolysis system immediately after onset of dissection. The platelet maximum aggregation rates were also decreased transiently after onset of the dissection. D-dimer values remained elevated throughout, the observation period. A rational approach to the surgical treatment of acute aortic dissection should involve coping with its activated clotting-fibrinolysis system and platelet dysfunction in addition to tissue friability.