BACKGROUNDRetrograde type A dissection (RTAD) represents a rare but possible lethal complication of thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Intervention is often recommended, but conservative management has been advocated in selected cases.METHODSWe performed a systematic review of the literature through MedLine and Cochrane databases over the last 24 years to identify reported cases of RTAD managed conservatively. Primary endpoint was the overall and aortic-related mortality, the morbidity, and the need for intervention during follow-up. The underlining causes and indications for conservative management were also investigated. (Protocol on Prospero Centre for Reviews and Dissemination RD42024542966).RESULTSA total of 2,305 papers were identified, and 10 articles were included (20 cases). The reasons for conservative treatment were age (n = 8.40%) and/or haemodynamic stability(n = 16,80%) and/or unfitness for surgery(n = 12,60%). The causes of RTAD were fragile aortic wall in acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) (n = 10, 50%), Marfan syndrome (n = 2, 10%), use of stents with proximal barbs or bare springs (n = 5, 25%), diameter of the ascending aorta>40 mm (n = 2, 10%), and intraoperative type IA endoleak (n = 2, 10%). Three patients (15%) were lost to follow-up immediately after discharge; one (5%) died in hospital from aortic rupture. At a mean follow-up of 33.5 months (range 9-60), the overall survival was 88.2% (n = 15/17) and aortic-related mortality was 10% (n = 2/20). No complications or interventions during the follow-up period were reported.CONCLUSIONSThe mortality rate following RTAD is high, and surgery allows improvement in survival. Conservative management might represent a viable option for selected patients. However, the current evidence is poor and needs to be validated by further and more robust data before such a strategy could be suggested more widely.