Iatrogenic Pathology of the Aorta After Interventional Cardiology Procedures

Context: In this review, we tried to evaluate the incidence, prognosis and treatment options in patients with iatrogenic pathology of the aortic artery due to interventional procedures in cardiology. Evidence Acquisition: Our search strategy involved an investigation in the PUBMED database for every available article in peer reviewed journals between 1975 and 2015, for subjects related to iatrogenic pathology of the aortic artery, following interventional procedures in cardiology (coronary angiography or angioplasty, trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) counterpulsation placement). Results: Iatrogenic pathology of the aorta is a rare, but potentially lethal complication of invasive vascular techniques. The development of these complications should be considered in cases of unexplained hypotension, acidosis or lower limb ischemia after catheter-based interventions. With increased experience, most of the vascular complications associated with the transfemoral approach may be managed percutaneously. Conclusions: With the increase in interventional procedures in cardiology, iatrogenic pathology of the aorta is seen more frequently, and every cardiologist should know how to diagnose and treat this group of diseases.