Aortic Dissection | oneedsvoice

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reference materials

Aortic Dissection

key information

source: Merck Manual

year: 2014

authors: John W. Hallett

summary/abstract:

Aortic dissection is the surging of blood through a tear in the aortic intima with separation of the intima and media and creation of a false lumen. The intimal tear may be a primary event or secondary to hemorrhage within the media. The dissection may occur anywhere along the aorta and extend proximally or distally into other arteries. Hypertension is an important contributor. Symptoms and signs include abrupt onset of tearing chest or back pain, and dissection may result in aortic regurgitation and compromised circulation in branch arteries. Diagnosis is by imaging tests (eg, transesophageal echocardiography, CT angiography, MRI, contrast aortography). Treatment always involves aggressive BP control and serial imaging to monitor progression of dissection; surgical repair of the aorta and placement of a synthetic graft are needed for ascending aortic dissection and for certain descending aortic dissections. Endovascular stent grafts are used for certain patients, especially when dissection involves the descending thoracic aorta. One fifth of patients die before reaching the hospital, and up to one third die of operative or perioperative complications.

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