OBJECTIVE: We report a rare complication--stenosis of the proximal anastomotic site caused by an inside felt strip--in surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: Eight weeks after the emergent repair, the patient suffered from anemia and persistent high-grade fever. Computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography revealed considerable aortic stenosis, while laboratory data showed hemolytic anemia associated with some inflammatory changes. RESULTS: After surgical relief of the aortic stenosis, inflammatory change improved and anemia also disappeared. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the inner felt strip used for reinforcement of the proximal anastomosis can cause remarkable stenosis, resulting in hemolytic anemia and inflammatory changes.
OBJECTIVE: We report a rare complication--stenosis of the proximal anastomotic site caused by an inside felt strip--in surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: Eight weeks after the emergent repair, the patient suffered from anemia and persistent high-grade fever. Computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography revealed considerable aortic stenosis, while laboratory data showed hemolytic anemia associated with some inflammatory changes. RESULTS: After surgical relief of the aortic stenosis, inflammatory change improved and anemia also disappeared. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the inner felt strip used for reinforcement of the proximal anastomosis can cause remarkable stenosis, resulting in hemolytic anemia and inflammatory changes.