Definition:
Aortic dissection is a rare, serious condition that involves the largest blood vessel in the body, the aorta. The aorta is made up of three layers: the inner layer (tunica intima), the middle layer (tunica media), and the outer layer (tunica adventitia). An aortic dissection occurs when blood breaks through the inner layer and ends up between two layers. It can also lead to the widening of the aorta, which is referred to as an aneurysm. Causes include: high blood pressure (hypertension), arterial hardening (atherosclerosis), trauma, surgery, Marfan's syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Symptoms:
-
Chest and/or back pain (sudden and sharp)
-
Anxiety
-
Sweating
-
Nausea
-
Decreased sensation
-
Pale skin (pallor)
-
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
-
Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
-
All symptoms are usually sudden onset (acute)
Diagnosis:
-
Stethoscope - aortic murmur, weak pulses at extremities
-
Low blood pressure
-
Chest X-ray/Ultrasound - shows aortic abnormality (wide aorta)
-
CT scan with dye - same as X-Ray
-
Aortic angiography - visualization of the aorta
Treatment:
-
Drugs that lower blood pressure (antihypertensives)
-
Pain relievers (analgesics)
-
Beta-blockers
-
Surgery - replacement of the damaged aorta with a graft
-
