METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, MyJurnal and the UKM Journal Repository. The search process was based on a previously published methodology. The medical subject headings (MeSH) search terms used were "aortic", "aorta" and "Malaysia".
RESULTS: Two-hundred-thirteen papers were identified, of which 60 papers were selected and reviewed on the basis of their relevance. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, case reports, investigations, treatment and outcomes of aortic disease in Malaysia were reviewed and summarised. The clinical relevance of the studies performed are discussed.
CONCLUSION: The review provided an insight into the pathophysiology, prevalence and epidemiology of aortic diseases in Malaysia, how the condition is managed, and the outcomes of treatment. Limitations of the research performed in Malaysia to date were identified and recommendations for further research and improvement in clinical practice were recommended.
METHOD: A prospective cohort study of 31 consecutive newborn infants with UAC-associated aortic thrombi which were detected by abdominal ultrasonography after removal of UAC. Twenty-two infants were treated with intravenous infusion of low dose (1000 U/h) streptokinase, while nine others were not treated due to various contra-indications. Thrombolysis occurred after a mean interval of 2.2 days (standard deviation (SD) = 1.8) in the treated infants. In the untreated infants, spontaneous thrombolysis occurred significantly later, after a mean interval of 16.9 days (SD = 14.7) (95% confidence intervals of difference between mean intervals - 26.0, - 3.4; P = 0.02). Only one treated infant developed mild bleeding directly attributed to streptokinase therapy.
CONCLUSION: Low dose streptokinase infusion was effective and safe in thrombolysing UAC-associated aortic thrombi.
Case summary : We report a 27-year-old female with history of conservatively managed VSD known since childhood. She presented with acute decompensated cardiac failure requiring intubation and inotropic support. Bedside echocardiography performed in the emergency department suggested a ruptured SoVA at the right coronary cusp with underlying supracristal VSD. Despite the patient being critically ill with multi-organ failure, surgery was performed as it was the patient's best chance for survival. Intraoperative findings tallied with the early echocardiographic results. She recovered gradually and was eventually discharged despite a stormy post-operative period.
Discussion : This case report highlights the importance of prompt recognition of SoVA rupture by using bedside echocardiography. Surgical intervention needs to be early despite ongoing sepsis in view of acute mechanical failure. This case was unique as it illustrates a successful management of an acutely ill patient with multi-organ failure through early diagnosis, intensive perioperative stabilization, and surgical intervention.