Aortic dissection

Not to be confused with Abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Aortic dissection

Dissection of the descending part of the aorta (3), which starts from the left subclavian artery and extends to the abdominal aorta (4). The ascending aorta (1) and aortic arch (2) are not involved in this image.
Specialty| Vascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery
Symptoms| severe chest or back pain, vomiting, sweating, lightheadedness[1][2]
Complications| Stroke, mesenteric ischemia, myocardial ischemia, aortic rupture[2]
Usual onset| Sudden[1][2]
Risk factors| High blood pressure, Marfan syndrome, Turner syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, previous heart surgery, major trauma, smoking[1][2][3]
Diagnostic method| Medical imaging[1]
Prevention| Blood pressure control, not smoking [1]
Treatment| Depends on the type[1]
Prognosis| Mortality without treatment 10% (type B), 50% (type A)[3]
Frequency| 3 per 100,000 per year[3]

Aortic dissection (AD) occurs when an injury to the innermost layer of the aorta allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, forcing the layers apart.[3] In most cases, this is associated with a sudden onset of severe chest or back pain, often described as "tearing" in character.[1][2] Also, vomiting, sweating, and lightheadedness may occur.[2] Other symptoms may result from decreased blood supply to other organs, such as stroke or mesenteric ischemia.[2] Aortic dissection can quickly lead to death from not enough blood flow to the heart or complete rupture of the aorta.[2]

It is more common in those with a history of high blood pressure, a number of connective tissue diseases that affect blood vessel wall strength including Marfan syndrome and Ehlers Danlos syndrome, a bicuspid aortic valve, and previous heart surgery.[2][3] Major trauma, smoking, cocaine use, pregnancy, a thoracic aortic aneurysm, inflammation of arteries, and abnormal lipid levels are also associated with an increased risk.[1][2] The diagnosis is suspected based on symptoms with medical imaging, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound used to confirm and further evaluate the dissection.[1] The two main types are Stanford type A, which involves the first part of the aorta, and type B, which does not.[1]

Prevention is by blood pressure control, not smoking, and repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms.[1][4] Management depends on the part of the aorta involved.[1] Dissections that involve the first part of the aorta usually require surgery.[1][2] Surgery may be done either by an opening in the chest or from inside the blood vessel.[1] Dissections that involve the second part of the aorta can typically be treated with medications that lower blood pressure and heart rate, unless there are complications.[1][2]

Aortic dissection is relatively rare, occurring at an estimated rate of three per 100,000 people per year.[1][3] It is more common in men than women.[1] The typical age at diagnosis is 63, with about 10% of cases occurring before the age of 40.[1][3] Without treatment, about half of people with Stanford type A dissections die within three days and about 10% of people with Stanford type B dissections die within one month.[3] The first case of AD was described in the examination of King George II of Great Britain following his death in 1760.[3] Surgery for AD was introduced in the 1950s by Michael E. DeBakey.[3]

## Contents

* 1 Signs and symptoms
* 1.1 Blood pressure
* 1.2 Aortic insufficiency
* 1.3 Myocardial infarction
* 1.4 Pleural effusion
* 2 Causes
* 3 Pathophysiology
* 4 Diagnosis
* 4.1 D-dimer
* 4.2 Chest X-ray
* 4.3 Computed tomography
* 4.4 MRI
* 4.5 Ultrasound
* 4.6 Aortogram
* 4.7 Classification
* 4.7.1 DeBakey
* 4.7.2 Stanford
* 5 Prevention
* 6 Management
* 6.1 Medication
* 6.2 Surgery
* 6.3 Follow-up
* 7 Epidemiology
* 8 Prognosis
* 9 History
* 10 Society and culture
* 11 See also
* 12 References
* 13 External links

## Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]

About 96% of individuals with AD present with severe pain that had a sudden onset. The pain may be described as a tearing, stabbing, or sharp sensation. About 17% of individuals feel the pain migrate as the dissection extends down the aorta. The location of pain is associated with the location of the dissection.[citation needed] Anterior chest pain is associated with dissections involving the ascending aorta, while interscapular back pain is associated with descending aortic dissections. If the pain is pleuritic in nature, it may suggest acute pericarditis caused by bleeding into the sac surrounding the heart. This is a particularly dangerous eventuality, suggesting that acute pericardial tamponade may be imminent. Pericardial tamponade is the most common cause of death from AD.[5]

While the pain may be confused with that of a heart attack, it is usually not associated with the other suggestive signs, such as heart failure and ECG changes. Less common symptoms in the setting of AD include heart failure (7%), fainting (9%), stroke (6%), ischemic peripheral neuropathy, paraplegia, and cardiac arrest.[6] If the individual fainted, about half the time it is due to bleeding into the pericardium, leading to pericardial tamponade. Neurological complications of aortic dissection, such as stroke and paralysis, are due to the involvement of one or more arteries supplying portions of the central nervous system.

If the AD involves the abdominal aorta, compromise of one or both arteries to the kidneys occurs in 5–8% of cases, while ischemia of the intestines occurs about 3% of the time.[7][8]

### Blood pressure[edit | edit source]

People often have a history of high blood pressure. The blood pressure may be variable at presentation with acute AD. It tends to be higher in distal dissections while in proximal dissections, 36% present have high blood pressure, while 25% present with low blood pressure. Proximal dissections tends to be associated with weakening of the vascular wall due to cystic medial degeneration. In those who present with distal (Stanford type B) AD, 60-70% present with high blood pressure, while 2-3% present with low blood pressure.[9]

Severe low blood pressure at presentation is a poor prognostic indicator. It usually indicates pericardial tamponade, severe aortic insufficiency, or rupture of the aorta. Pseudohypotension (falsely low blood-pressure measurement) may occur due to involvement of the brachiocephalic artery (supplying the right arm) or the left subclavian artery (supplying the left arm).

### Aortic insufficiency[edit | edit source]

Aortic insufficiency (AI) occurs in half to two-thirds of ascending AD, and the diastolic heart murmur of aortic insufficiency is audible in about 32% of proximal dissections. The intensity (loudness) of the murmur depends on the blood pressure and may be inaudible in the event of low blood pressure.

Multiple causes exist for AI in the setting of ascending AD. The dissection may dilate the annulus of the aortic valve, preventing the leaflets of the valve from coapting. The dissection may extend into the aortic root and detach the aortic valve leaflets. Alternatively, following an extensive intimal tear, the intimal flap may prolapse into the left ventricular outflow tract, causing intimal intussusception into the aortic valve, thereby preventing proper valve closure.

### Myocardial infarction[edit | edit source]

Heart attack occurs in 1–2% of aortic dissections. Infarction is caused by involvement of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygenated blood, in the dissection. The right coronary artery is involved more commonly than the left coronary artery. If the myocardial infarction is treated with thrombolytic therapy, the mortality increases to over 70%, mostly due to bleeding into the pericardial sac, causing cardiac tamponade.

### Pleural effusion[edit | edit source]

A pleural effusion (fluid collection in the space between the lungs and the chest wall or diaphragm) can be due to either blood from a transient rupture of the aorta or fluid due to an inflammatory reaction around the aorta. If a pleural effusion were to develop due to AD, it is more commonly in the left hemithorax rather than the right hemithorax.

## Causes[edit | edit source]

Aortic dissection is associated with high blood pressure and many connective tissue disorders. Vasculitis (inflammation of an artery) is rarely associated with aortic dissection. It can also be the result of chest trauma. About 72 to 80% of individuals with an aortic dissection have a previous history of high blood pressure. Use of stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine are also risk factor.[10][11] It can also be caused by smoking.

A bicuspid aortic valve (a type of congenital heart disease involving the aortic valve) is found in up to 15% of people who have an aortic dissection.[12] These individuals are prone to dissection in the ascending aorta. The risk of dissection in individuals with bicuspid aortic valve is not associated with the degree of stenosis of the valve.

Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys–Dietz syndrome increase the risk of aortic dissection.[9] Similarly, vasculitides such as Takayasu's arteritis, giant cell arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and Behcet's disease have been associated with a subsequent aortic dissection.[9][10] Marfan's syndrome is found in 5-9% of individuals who had an aortic dissection. In this subset, the incidence in young individuals is increased. Individuals with Marfan syndrome tend to have aneurysms of the aorta and are more prone to proximal dissections of the aorta.[13]

Turner syndrome also increases the risk of aortic dissection, by aortic root dilatation.[14]

Chest trauma leading to aortic dissection can be divided into two groups based on cause: blunt chest trauma (commonly seen in car accidents) and iatrogenic. Iatrogenic causes include trauma during cardiac catheterization or due to an intra-aortic balloon pump.

Aortic dissection may be a late sequela of heart surgery. About 18% of individuals who present with an acute aortic dissection have a history of open-heart surgery. Individuals who have undergone aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency are at particularly high risk because aortic insufficiency causes increased blood flow in the ascending aorta. This can cause dilatation and weakening of the walls of the ascending aorta.

Syphilis only potentially causes aortic dissection in its tertiary stage.[15]

## Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Blood penetrates the intima and enters the media layer.

As with all other arteries, the aorta is made up of three layers, the intima, the media, and the adventitia. The intima is in direct contact with the blood inside the vessel, and mainly consists of a layer of endothelial cells on a basement membrane; the media contains connective and muscle tissue, and the vessel is protected on the outside by the adventitia, comprising connective tissue.[16]

In an aortic dissection, blood penetrates the intima and enters the media layer. The high pressure rips the tissue of the media apart along the laminated plane splitting the inner two-thirds and the outer one-third of the media apart.[17] This can propagate along the length of the aorta for a variable distance forward or backwards. Dissections that propagate towards the iliac bifurcation (with the flow of blood) are called anterograde dissections and those that propagate towards the aortic root (opposite of the flow of blood) are called retrograde dissections. The initial tear is usually within 100 mm of the aortic valve, so a retrograde dissection can easily compromise the pericardium leading to a hemopericardium. Anterograde dissections may propagate all the way to the iliac bifurcation of the aorta, rupture the aortic wall, or recanalize into the intravascular lumen leading to a double-barrel aorta. The double-barrel aorta relieves the pressure of blood flow and reduces the risk of rupture. Rupture leads to hemorrhaging into a body cavity, and prognosis depends on the area of rupture. Retroperitoneal and pericardial ruptures are both possible.

Histopathological image of dissecting aneurysm of thoracic aorta in a patient without evidence of Marfan syndrome: The damaged aorta was surgically removed and replaced by artificial vessel, Victoria blue & HE stain.

The initiating event in an aortic dissection is a tear in the intimal lining of the aorta. Due to the high pressures in the aorta, blood enters the media at the point of the tear. The force of the blood entering the media causes the tear to extend. It may extend proximally (closer to the heart) or distally (away from the heart) or both. The blood travels through the media, creating a false lumen (the true lumen is the normal conduit of blood in the aorta). Separating the false lumen from the true lumen is a layer of intimal tissue known as the intimal flap.

The vast majority of aortic dissections originate with an intimal tear in either the ascending aorta (65%), the aortic arch (10%), or just distal to the ligamentum arteriosum in the descending thoracic aorta (20%).[clarification needed]

As blood flows down the false lumen, it may cause secondary tears in the intima. Through these secondary tears, the blood can re-enter the true lumen.

While it is not always clear why an intimal tear may occur, quite often it involves degeneration of the collagen and elastin that make up the media. This is known as cystic medial necrosis and is most commonly associated with Marfan syndrome and is also associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

In about 13% of aortic dissections, no evidence of an intimal tear is found. In these cases, the inciting event is thought to be an intramural hematoma (caused by bleeding within the media). Since no direct connection exists between the true lumen and the false lumen in these cases, diagnosing an aortic dissection by aortography is difficult if the cause is an intramural hematoma. An aortic dissection secondary to an intramural hematoma should be treated the same as one caused by an intimal tear.

## Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnostic algorithm for aortic dissection

Because of the varying symptoms, the diagnosis is sometimes difficult to make. Concern should be increased in those with low blood pressure, neurological problems, and unequal pulses.[18]

While a good history may be strongly suggestive, the diagnosis cannot always be made by history and physical signs alone. The diagnosis is confirmed by visualization of the intimal flap on diagnostic imaging; typically CT scan of the chest with contrast or transesophageal echocardiogram. The proximity of the aorta to the esophagus allows the use of higher-frequency ultrasound for better anatomical images. Other tests that may be used include an aortogram or magnetic resonance angiogram of the aorta.

In general, the imaging technique chosen is based on the pretest likelihood of the diagnosis, availability of the test, patient stability, and the sensitivity and specificity of the test.

### D-dimer[edit | edit source]

A measurement of blood D-dimer level may be useful in diagnostic evaluation. A level less than 500 ng/ml may be considered evidence against a diagnosis of aortic dissection,[1][19] although this guideline is only applicable in cases deemed "low risk"[20] and within 24 hours of symptom onset.[21] The American Heart Association does not advise using this test in making the diagnosis, as evidence is still tentative.[22]

### Chest X-ray[edit | edit source]

Aortic dissection on CXR: Note is made of a wide aortic knob.

Chest radiography may demonstrate a change in shape of the thoracic aorta. Classically, new widening of the mediastinum is of moderate sensitivity for detecting an ascending aortic dissection; however, this finding is of low specificity, as many other conditions can cause apparent widening of the mediastinum.

There are several other associated radiographic findings:

* The "calcium sign" describes an apparent separation of the intimal calcification from the outer aortic margin by greater than 10 mm.
* Pleural effusions, more commonly in descending aortic dissections, and typically left sided.
* Other: obliteration of the aortic knob, depression of the left mainstem bronchus, loss of the paratracheal stripe, and tracheal deviation.

Importantly, about 12 to 20% of aortic dissections are not detectable by chest radiograph; therefore, a "normal" chest radiograph does not rule out the condition. If there is high suspicion, a more sensitive imaging test (CT angiogram, MR angiography, or transesophageal echo) may be warranted.

### Computed tomography[edit | edit source]

Computed tomography angiography is a fast, noninvasive test that gives an accurate three-dimensional view of the aorta. These images are produced by taking rapid, thin-cut slices of the chest and abdomen, and combining them in the computer to create cross-sectional slices. To delineate the aorta to the accuracy necessary to make the proper diagnosis, an iodinated contrast material is injected into a peripheral vein. Contrast is injected and the scan performed using a bolus tracking method. This type of scan is timed to an injection to capture the contrast as it enters the aorta. The scan then follows the contrast as it flows through the vessel. It has a sensitivity of 96 to 100% and a specificity of 96 to 100%. Disadvantages include the need for iodinated contrast material and the inability to diagnose the site of the intimal tear.

* Aortic dissection

* CT with contrast demonstrating aneurysmal dilation and a dissection of the ascending aorta (type A Stanford)

* Chest CT with descending (type B Stanford) aortic dissection (red circle)

* Type A dissection with pericardial effusion as a result.

### MRI[edit | edit source]

MRI of an aortic dissection
1 Aorta descendens with dissection
2 Aorta isthmus

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also used for the detection and assessment of aortic dissection, with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 98%. An MRI examination of the aorta produces a three-dimensional reconstruction of the aorta, allowing the physician to determine the location of the intimal tear and the involvement of branch vessels, and to locate any secondary tears. It is a noninvasive test, does not require the use of iodinated contrast material, and can detect and quantitate the degree of aortic insufficiency.

The disadvantage of the MRI scan in the face of aortic dissection is that it may be available only in larger hospitals, and the scan is relatively time-consuming, which could be dangerous in people who are already very unwell. Due to the high-intensity magnetic fields used during MRI, it cannot be used on individuals with metallic implants. In addition, some individuals experience claustrophobia while surrounded by the MRI magnet.

### Ultrasound[edit | edit source]

An echocardiogram displaying the true lumen and false lumen of an aortic dissection: In the image to the left, the intimal flap can be seen separating the two lumens. In the image to the right, color flow during ventricular systole suggests that the upper lumen is the true lumen.

The transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a good test in the diagnosis of aortic dissection, with a sensitivity up to 98% and a specificity up to 97%. It has become the preferred imaging modality for suspected aortic dissection. It is a relatively noninvasive test, requiring the individual to swallow the echocardiography probe. It is especially good in the evaluation of AI in the setting of ascending aortic dissection, and to determine whether the ostia (origins) of the coronary arteries are involved. While many institutions give sedation during transesophageal echocardiography for added patient comfort, it can be performed in cooperative individuals without the use of sedation. Disadvantages of TEE include the inability to visualize the distal ascending aorta (the beginning of the aortic arch), and the descending abdominal aorta that lies below the stomach. A TEE may be technically difficult to perform in individuals with esophageal strictures or varices.

* Aortic dissection with an intramural hematoma as seen on TEE

* Type A aortic dissection[23]

* Type A aortic dissection[23]

* Dissection of both the thoracic and abdominal aorta[24]

* Dissection of both the thoracic and abdominal aorta[24]

### Aortogram[edit | edit source]

Main article: Aortography

An aortogram involves placement of a catheter in the aorta and injection of contrast material while taking X-rays of the aorta. The procedure is known as aortography. Previously thought to be the diagnostic gold standard, it has been supplanted by other, less-invasive imaging modalities.

### Classification[edit | edit source]

Classification of aortic dissection  |  |  |

|
|
|

Percentage  | 60%  | 10–15%  | 25–30%
Type  | DeBakey I  | DeBakey II  | DeBakey III
| Stanford A (Proximal)  | Stanford B (Distal)

Several different classification systems have been used to describe aortic dissections. One such classification is based on chronicity and labels aortic dissections as hyperacute (<24 hours duration), acute (2–7 days), subacute (8–30 days), and chronic (>30 days).[10] The systems commonly in use are based on either the anatomy of the dissection or the duration of onset of symptoms prior to presentation. The Stanford system is used more commonly now, as it is more attuned to the management of the patient.

#### DeBakey[edit | edit source]

The DeBakey system, named after cardiothoracic surgeon Michael E. DeBakey, is an anatomical description of the aortic dissection. It categorizes the dissection based on where the original intimal tear is located and the extent of the dissection (localized to either the ascending aorta or descending aorta or involves both the ascending and descending aorta.[25]

* Type I – originates in ascending aorta, and propagates at least to the aortic arch and often beyond it distally. It is most often seen in patients less than 65 years of age and is the most lethal form of the disease.
* Type II – originates in the ascending aorta and is confined to it.
* Type III – originates in the descending aorta and rarely extends proximally, but will extend distally. It most often occurs in elderly patients with atherosclerosis and hypertension.

#### Stanford[edit | edit source]

The Stanford classification is divided into two groups, A and B, depending on whether the ascending aorta is involved.[26]

* A – involves the ascending aorta and/or aortic arch, and possibly the descending aorta. The tear can originate in the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, or more rarely, in the descending aorta. It includes DeBakey types I and II.
* B – involves the descending aorta or the arch (distal to the left subclavian artery), without the involvement of the ascending aorta. It includes DeBakey type III.

The Stanford classification is useful as it follows clinical practice, as type A ascending aortic dissections generally require primary surgical treatment, whereas type B dissections generally are treated medically as initial treatment with surgery reserved for any complications.

The main indication for surgical repair of type A dissections is prevention of acute hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade due to leakage of blood through the dissected layers of the intrapericardial proximal aorta. A secondary indication is acute aortic valve insufficiency (regurgitation): ascending aortic dissections often involve the aortic valve, which, having lost its suspensory support, telescopes down into the aortic root, resulting in aortic incompetence. The valve must be resuspended in order to be reseated, as well as to repair or prevent coronary artery injury. Also, the area of dissection is removed and replaced with a Dacron graft to prevent further dissection from occurring. However, type B dissections are not improved, from a mortality point of view, by the operation, unless leaking, rupture, or compromise to other organs, e.g. kidneys, occurs.

## Prevention[edit | edit source]

Among the risk factors, high blood pressure, abnormally high lipids (such as cholesterol), and smoking tobacco are preventable.[1]

Repair of an enlarged ascending aorta is recommended when greater than 5 cm (2.0 in) to 6 cm (2.4 in) in size, depending on underlying health conditions.[4] In those with a bicuspid aortic valve repair may be recommended when greater than 4.0 cm (1.6 in) in size if the valve is being repaired for other reasons.[4] For the descending aorta repair is recommended at 6 cm (2.4 in).[4]

## Management[edit | edit source]

In an acute dissection, treatment choice depends on its location. For Stanford type A (ascending aortic) dissection, surgical management is superior to medical management.[citation needed] For uncomplicated Stanford type B (distal aortic) dissections (including abdominal aortic dissections), medical management is preferred over surgery.[citation needed] Complicated Stanford type B aortic dissections require surgical intervention after initiation of medical therapy.[citation needed]

The risk of death due to aortic dissection is highest in the first few hours after the dissection begins, and decreases afterward. Because of this, the therapeutic strategies differ for the treatment of an acute dissection compared to a chronic dissection. An acute dissection is one in which the individual presents within the first two weeks. If the individual has managed to survive this window period, his prognosis is improved. About 66% of all dissections present in the acute phase. Individuals who present two weeks after the onset of the dissection are said to have chronic aortic dissections. These individuals have been self-selected as survivors of the acute episode and can be treated with medical therapy as long as they are stable.

### Medication[edit | edit source]

Aortic dissection may present as a hypertensive emergency, with the prime consideration of medical management to decrease the shear stress on the aortic wall by decreasing blood pressure and heart rate. The target blood pressure should be a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 60 to 75 mmHg, or the lowest blood pressure tolerated. Initial decreases should be by about 20%.[2] The target heart rate is less than 65 beats per minute. Long-term blood pressure control is required in those who has experienced an aortic dissection.

Beta blockers are the first-line treatment for acute and chronic aortic dissection. In acute dissection, fast-acting agents which can be given intravenously and have doses that are easier to adjust (such as esmolol, propranolol, or labetalol) are preferred. Vasodilators such as sodium nitroprusside can be considered for people with ongoing high blood pressure, but they should not be used alone, as they may stimulate a reflexive increase in the heart rate.

Calcium channel blockers can be used, particularly if a contraindication to the use of beta blockers exists. This includes verapamil and diltiazem, because of their combined vasodilator and negative heart rate effects.

If the individual has persistent high blood pressure on the maximum doses of three different classes of blood pressure medications, involvement of the arteries to the kidneys in the aortic dissection should be considered.

### Surgery[edit | edit source]

Indications for surgery include an acute proximal aortic dissection and an acute distal aortic dissection with one or more complications. Complications include compromise of a vital organ, rupture or impending rupture of the aorta, retrograde dissection into the ascending aorta. These are more common with a history of Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

The objective of surgery is to remove the most severely damaged segments of the aorta and to obliterate the entry of blood into the false lumen (both at the initial intimal tear and any secondary tears along the vessel). While excision of the intimal tear may be performed, it does not significantly change mortality.

The particular treatment used depends on the segment or segments of aorta involved. Some treatments are:

* Open aortic surgery with replacement of the damaged section of aorta with a tube graft (often made of Dacron) when no damage to the aortic valve is seen
* Bentall procedure — replacement of the damaged section of aorta and replacement of the aortic valve
* David procedure — replacement of the damaged section of aorta and reimplantation of the aortic valve
* Thoracic endovascular aortic repair, a minimally invasive surgical procedure usually combined with on-going medical management
* Replacement of the damaged section of aorta with a sutureless vascular ring connector-reinforced Dacron graft: The vascular ring connector is a titanic ring used as a stent in the vascular graft to achieve a quick, blood-sealed, and sutureless anastomosis. Two furrows on the surface of the ring are for fixation of the vascular graft and the aorta. The tapes used to tie against the ring provide a larger contact surface area than the traditional stitches, thus it provides stronger anastomosis and better surgical results.

A number of conditions increase the risk of repair including:

* Prolonged preoperative evaluation (increased length of time prior to surgery)
* Advanced age
* Comorbid disease states (e.g.: coronary artery disease)
* Aneurysm leakage
* Cardiac tamponade
* Shock
* Past history of myocardial infarction
* History of kidney failure (either acute or chronic kidney failure)

### Follow-up[edit | edit source]

Closure of the lumen of a Type B aortic dissection following medical management

Long-term follow-up in individuals who survive involves strict blood pressure control. The relative risk of late rupture of an aortic aneurysm is 10 times higher in individuals who have uncontrolled hypertension, compared to individuals with a systolic pressure below 130 mmHg.

The risk of death is highest in the first two years after the acute event, and individuals should be followed closely during this time period. About 30% of late deaths following surgery are due to rupture of either a dissecting aneurysm or another aneurysm. In addition, a 17% to 25% incidence exists of new aneurysm formation, typically due to dilatation of the residual false lumen. These new aneurysms are more likely to rupture, due to their thinner walls.

Serial imaging of the aorta is suggested, with MRI being the preferred imaging technique.

## Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Establishing the incidence of aortic dissection has been difficult because many cases are only diagnosed after death (which may have been attributed to another cause), and is often initially misdiagnosed. Aortic dissection affects an estimated 2.0–3.5 people per every 100,000 every year. Studies from Sweden suggest that the incidence of aortic dissection may be rising.[27] Men are more commonly affected than women: 65% of all people with aortic dissection are male. The mean age at diagnosis is 63 years.[16] In females before the age of 40, half of all aortic dissections occur during pregnancy (typically in the third trimester or early postpartum period).[28] Dissection occurs in about 0.6% of pregnancies.[29]

## Prognosis[edit | edit source]

Risk of death in untreated type A aortic dissection[3] 25% | in first 24 hours

|

50% | in first 72 hours
80% | in two weeks
90% | in first month

Of all people with aortic dissection, 40% die immediately and do not reach a hospital. Of the remainder, 1% die every hour, making prompt diagnosis and treatment a priority. Even after diagnosis, 5–20% die during surgery or in the immediate postoperative period.[16] In ascending aortic dissection, if surgery is decided to be not appropriate, 75% die within 2 weeks. With aggressive treatment, 30-day survival for thoracic dissections may be as high as 90%.[30]

## History[edit | edit source]

The earliest fully documented case of aortic dissection is attributed to Frank Nicholls in his autopsy report of King George II of Great Britain, who had been found dead on 25 October 1760; the report describes dissection of the aortic arch and into the pericardium.[3][31] The term "aortic dissection" was introduced by the French physician J.P. Maunoir in 1802, and René Laennec labelled the condition "dissecting aneurysm".[3][32] London cardiologist Thomas Bevill Peacock contributed to the understanding of the condition by publishing two series of the cases described in the literature so far: 19 cases in an 1843 review, and 80 in 1863.[32] The characteristic symptom of tearing pain in the chest was recognized in 1855 when a case was diagnosed in life.[32]

Surgery for aortic dissection was first introduced and developed by Michael E. DeBakey, Denton Cooley, and Oscar Creech, cardiac surgeons associated with the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, in 1954. DeBakey developed aortic dissection himself at age 97 in 2005,[3] and underwent surgery in 2006.[33] Endovascular treatment of aortic dissection was developed in the 1990s.[3]

## Society and culture[edit | edit source]

Ritter rules are a compilation of reminders, symptoms, and risk factors designed to prevent the misdiagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection.[34] The rules were named for Three's Company actor John Ritter, who died from a thoracic aortic dissection in 2003. Ritter was initially misdiagnosed and subsequently treated for a heart attack.[35] The rules were developed by Dianna Milewicz of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston seven years after Ritter's death, and were jointly published by the John Ritter Foundation and the Thoracic Aortic Disease Coalition.[34][35][36]

## See also[edit | edit source]

* Carotid artery dissection
* Vertebral artery dissection

## References[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 Nienaber, CA; Clough, RE (28 February 2015). "Management of acute aortic dissection". Lancet. 385 (9970): 800–11. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(14)61005-9. PMID 25662791.
2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 White, A; Broder, J; Mando-Vandrick, J; Wendell, J; Crowe, J (2013). "Acute aortic emergencies--part 2: aortic dissections". Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal. 35 (1): 28–52. doi:10.1097/tme.0b013e31827145d0. PMID 23364404.
3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 Criado FJ (2011). "Aortic dissection: a 250-year perspective". Tex Heart Inst J. 38 (6): 694–700. PMC 3233335. PMID 22199439.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Isselbacher, Eric M. (15 February 2005). "Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms". Circulation. 111 (6): 816–828. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000154569.08857.7A.
5. ↑ Isselbacher E.M.; Cigarroa J.E.; Eagle K.A. (1994). "Cardiac Tamponade Complicating Proximal Aortic Dissection. Is Pericardiocentesis Harmful?". Circulation. 90 (5): 2375–2378. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.90.5.2375. PMID 7955196. Archived from the original on 2016-03-18.
6. ↑ Sheikh, AS; Ali, K; Mazhar, S (Sep 3, 2013). "Acute aortic syndrome". Circulation. 128 (10): 1122–7. doi:10.1161/circulationaha.112.000170. PMID 24002714.
7. ↑ Orihashi K (May 2016). "Mesenteric ischemia in acute aortic dissection". Surg. Today. 46 (5): 509–16. doi:10.1007/s00595-015-1193-4. PMID 26024781.
8. ↑ Kamman AV, Yang B, Kim KM, Williams DM, Michael Deeb G, Patel HJ (2017). "Visceral Malperfusion in Aortic Dissection: The Michigan Experience". Semin. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. 29 (2): 173–178. doi:10.1053/j.semtcvs.2016.10.002. PMID 28823323.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Alfson, DB; Ham, SW (August 2017). "Type B Aortic Dissections: Current Guidelines for Treatment". Cardiology Clinics. 35 (3): 387–410. doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2017.03.007. PMID 28683909.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Lech, C; Swaminathan, A (November 2017). "Abdominal Aortic Emergencies". Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 35 (4): 847–67. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2017.07.003. PMID 28987432.
11. ↑ Stankowski RV, Kloner RA, Rezkalla SH (August 2015). "Cardiovascular consequences of cocaine use". Trends Cardiovasc. Med. 25 (6): 517–26. doi:10.1016/j.tcm.2014.12.013. PMID 25657055.
12. ↑ Wojnarski, Charles M.; Svensson, Lars G.; Roselli, Eric E.; Idrees, Jay J.; Lowry, Ashley M.; Ehrlinger, John; Pettersson, Gösta B.; Gillinov, A. Marc; Johnston, Douglas R.; Soltesz, Edward G.; Navia, Jose L.; Hammer, Donald F.; Griffin, Brian; Thamilarasan, Maran; Kalahasti, Vidyasagar; Sabik, Joseph F.; Blackstone, Eugene H.; Lytle, Bruce W. (November 2015). "Aortic Dissection in Patients With Bicuspid Aortic Valve–Associated Aneurysms". The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 100 (5): 1666–1674. doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.04.126.
13. ↑ Cook JR, Ramirez F (2014). Clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of the Marfan syndrome. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Vol. 802\. pp. 77–94. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-7893-1_6. ISBN 978-94-007-7892-4. PMID 24443022.
14. ↑ Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (Nov 2006). "Increased maternal cardiovascular mortality associated with pregnancy in women with Turner syndrome". Fertil. Steril. 86 (5 Suppl): S127–8. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.08.082. PMID 17055808.
15. ↑ Kamalakannan D, Rosman HS, Eagle KA (October 2007). "Acute aortic dissection". Crit Care Clin. 23 (4): 779–800, vi. doi:10.1016/j.ccc.2007.07.002. PMID 17964363.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Hiratzka LF, Bakris GL, Beckman JA, et al. (April 2010). "2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with Thoracic Aortic Disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Radiology, American Stroke Association, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Vascular Medicine". Circulation. 121 (13): e266–369. doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e3181d4739e. PMID 20233780. Archived from the original on 2013-06-09.
17. ↑ Das M., Mahnken A.H. and Wildberger J.E., “Dual Energy: CTA Aorta” in Seidensticker P.R. and Hofmann L.K. (eds.), Dual Source CT Imaging[permanent dead link], Springer Medizin Verlag, Heidelberg, 2008. ISBN 978-3-540-77601-7.
18. ↑ Ohle, R; Kareemi, HK; Wells, G; Perry, JJ (18 December 2017). "Clinical Examination for Acute Aortic Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis". Academic Emergency Medicine. 25 (4): 397–412. doi:10.1111/acem.13360. PMID 29265487.
19. ↑ Shimony, A; Filion, KB; Mottillo, S; Dourian, T; Eisenberg, MJ (2011-04-15). "Meta-analysis of usefulness of d-dimer to diagnose acute aortic dissection". The American Journal of Cardiology. 107 (8): 1227–34. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2010.12.027. PMID 21296332.
20. ↑ Asha, SE; Miers, JW (21 March 2015). "A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of D-dimer as a Rule-out Test for Suspected Acute Aortic Dissection". Annals of Emergency Medicine. 66 (4): 368–78. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.02.013. PMID 25805111.
21. ↑ Bossone, E; Suzuki, T; Eagle, KA; Weinsaft, JW (May 2013). "Diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes : imaging and beyond". Herz. 38 (3): 269–76. doi:10.1007/s00059-012-3710-1. PMID 23263244.
22. ↑ Bruce M. Lo (December 2013). "An Evidence-Based Approach To Acute Aortic Syndromes". Emergency Medicine Practice. 15 (12). Archived from the original on 2013-12-04.
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "UOTW #17 - Ultrasound of the Week". Ultrasound of the Week. 12 September 2014. Archived from the original on 9 May 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "UOTW #55 - Ultrasound of the Week". Ultrasound of the Week. 8 August 2015. Archived from the original on 9 May 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
25. ↑ DeBakey ME, Henly WS, Cooley DA, Morris GC Jr, Crawford ES, Beall AC Jr (Jan 1965). "Surgical management of dissecting aneurysms of the aorta". J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 49: 130–49. doi:10.1016/S0022-5223(19)33323-9. PMID 14261867.
26. ↑ Daily PO, Trueblood HW, Stinson EB, Wuerflein RD, Shumway NE (Sep 1970). "Management of acute aortic dissections". Ann. Thorac. Surg. 10 (3): 237–47. doi:10.1016/S0003-4975(10)65594-4. PMID 5458238.
27. ↑ Olsson Ch.; Thelin S.; Ståhle E.; Ekbom A.; Granath F. (2006). "Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection. Increasing Prevalence and Improved Outcomes Reported in a Nationwide Population-Based Study of More Than 14 000 Cases From 1987 to 2002". Circulation. 114 (24): 2611–2618. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.630400. PMID 17145990. Archived from the original on 2016-08-07.
28. ↑ Ho M. and Liang D., “Diseases of the Aorta”, Chap. 11 in Ardehali A., Pérez M. and Wang P. (eds), A Practical Approach to Cardiovascular Medicine Archived 2021-02-04 at the Wayback Machine Archived 2021-02-04 at the Wayback Machine, John Wiley & Sons, 2013, 352 pp. ISBN 978-1-4051-8039-9.
29. ↑ Wanga S, Silversides C, Dore A, de Waard V, Mulder B (January 2016). "Pregnancy and Thoracic Aortic Disease: Managing the Risks". Can J Cardiol. 32 (1): 78–85. doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2015.09.003. PMID 26604124.
30. ↑ Woo KM, Schneider JI (November 2009). "High-risk chief complaints I: chest pain--the big three". Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 27 (4): 685–712, x. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2009.07.007. PMID 19932401.
31. ↑ Nicholls F (1761). "Observations concerning the body of his late majesty". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. 52: 265–274. doi:10.1098/rstl.1761.0052. Archived from the original on 2015-03-30.
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 Leonard JC (July 1979). "Thomas Bevill Peacock and the early history of dissecting aneurysm". Br Med J. 2 (6184): 260–2. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.6184.260. PMC 1595580. PMID 383194. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
33. ↑ Altman LK (2006-12-25). "The Man on the Table Devised the Surgery". New York Times. Archived from the original on 2013-09-16. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Ritter Rules". Thoracic Aortic Disease Coalition. Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 "John Ritter Legacy Lives in 'Ritter Rules'". CBS News. Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2016.
36. ↑ "Ritter Rules". The John Ritter Foundation For Aortic Health. Archived from the original on 24 December 2015. Retrieved 6 January 2016.

## External links[edit | edit source]

Classification|

* ICD-10: I71.0
* ICD-9-CM: 441.0
* OMIM: 607086
* DiseasesDB: 805

|

External resources|

* MedlinePlus: 000181
* eMedicine: emerg/28
* GeneReviews: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections

* v
* t
* e

Cardiovascular disease (vessels)

Arteries, arterioles
and capillaries|

| Inflammation|

* Arteritis
* Aortitis
* Buerger's disease

|

Peripheral artery disease|

| Arteriosclerosis|

* Atherosclerosis
* Foam cell
* Fatty streak
* Atheroma
* Intermittent claudication
* Critical limb ischemia

* Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis
* Arteriolosclerosis
* Hyaline
* Hyperplastic
* Cholesterol
* LDL
* Oxycholesterol
* Trans fat

|

Stenosis|

* Carotid artery stenosis
* Renal artery stenosis

Other|

* Aortoiliac occlusive disease
* Degos disease
* Erythromelalgia
* Fibromuscular dysplasia
* Raynaud's phenomenon

Aneurysm / dissection /
pseudoaneurysm|

* torso: Aortic aneurysm
* Abdominal aortic aneurysm
* Thoracic aortic aneurysm
* Aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva
* Aortic dissection
* Aortic rupture
* Coronary artery aneurysm
* head / neck
* Intracranial aneurysm
* Intracranial berry aneurysm
* Carotid artery dissection
* Vertebral artery dissection
* Familial aortic dissection

Vascular malformation|

* Arteriovenous fistula
* Arteriovenous malformation
* Telangiectasia
* Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Vascular nevus|

* Cherry hemangioma
* Halo nevus
* Spider angioma

Veins|

| Inflammation|

* Phlebitis

|

Venous thrombosis /
Thrombophlebitis|

* primarily lower limb
* Deep vein thrombosis
* abdomen
* Hepatic veno-occlusive disease
* Budd–Chiari syndrome
* May–Thurner syndrome
* Portal vein thrombosis
* Renal vein thrombosis
* upper limb / torso
* Mondor's disease
* Paget–Schroetter disease
* head
* Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
* Post-thrombotic syndrome

Varicose veins|

* Gastric varices
* Portacaval anastomosis
* Caput medusae
* Esophageal varices
* Hemorrhoid
* Varicocele

Other|

* Chronic venous insufficiency
* Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency
* Superior vena cava syndrome
* Inferior vena cava syndrome
* Venous ulcer

Arteries or veins|

* Angiopathy
* Macroangiopathy
* Microangiopathy
* Embolism
* Pulmonary embolism
* Cholesterol embolism
* Paradoxical embolism
* Thrombosis
* Hepatic artery thrombosis
* Vasculitis

Blood pressure|

| Hypertension|

* Hypertensive heart disease
* Hypertensive emergency
* Hypertensive nephropathy
* Essential hypertension
* Secondary hypertension
* Renovascular hypertension
* Benign hypertension
* Pulmonary hypertension
* Systolic hypertension
* White coat hypertension

|

Hypotension|

* Orthostatic hypotension

*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template