Disruption of the media layer of the aorta with bleeding within the wall resulting in separation of aortic layers (1). Accumulating blood in false lumen of arterial wall leads to pr...
A high level of clinical suspicion is essential. Sudden onset, severe chest or back pain is the most common presenting symptom. Although classically described as “tearing” in nature, ...
Prior to discharge, thoracic MRI or chest CT scan should be obtained and followed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and then yearly to assess for compl...
I71.00 Dissection of unspecified site of aorta
I71.01 Dissection of thoracic aorta
I71.03 Dissection of thoracoabdominal aorta
I71.02 Dissection of abdominal aorta
308546005 dissection of...
Acute pain is reported by 90% of patients with aortic dissections. The pain is more often sharp but may be tearing and is located in the chest, abdomen, or back. Maintain a high level ...
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Figure 51.1. Classification of aortic dissections. (A) Dissection of ascending aorta.
Figure 51.1. Classification of aortic dissections. (B) Dissection of descending aorta.
Figure 51.2. Chest x-ray film of a 65-year-old woman with type A dissection. Note the widened mediastinum, indistinct aortic knob (arrows), tracheal deviation (triangles), and left pleural effusion.
Figure 51.2. Chest x-ray film of a 65-year-old woman with type A dissection. Note the widened mediastinum, indistinct aortic knob (arrows...
Acute aortic dissection - In acute aortic dissection, an intimal tear permits blood to dissect the media, separating the intima from the adventitia. Type A is located in the ascending aorta and is more common. Type B is located in the descending aorta
Acute aortic dissection - In acute aortic dissection, an intimal tear permits blood to dissect the media, separating the intima from the a...
Dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. A transverse tear is present in the aortic arch. The orifices of the great vessels are on the left.