Aortic Dissection

Question 1

What are the symptoms of aortic dissection?

Answer 1

Usually men over 50
Sudden onset tearing chest/intrascapular pain radiating to the back
Syncope
Bowel ischaemia
Renal failure

Question 2

What’s the classification used to describe types of aortic dissection

Answer 2

Stanford classification:

Type A: only ascending and arch of aorta affected
Type B: descending aorta affected

Question 4

What signs would you find on examination in aortic dissection?

Answer 4

Radio radial delay
Radio femoral delay
Blood pressure difference between arms

Question 5

What’s the gold standard diagnosis of aortic dissection?

Answer 5

CT angiogram

Question 6

What’s the management of type A aortic dissection?

Answer 6

Cardiac monitoring
IV metoprolol infusion
Surgery

Question 7

What’s the management of Type B aortic dissection?

Answer 7

Cardiac monitoring
IV metoprolol
Conservative management after - blood pressure control