Aortic Dissection Flashcards
What is the classic presentation of a patient with aortic dissection?
Sudden, tearing chest pain which radiates to the back.
What happens as the dissection extends?
As the dissection extends, the aorta is occluded.
Which vessels are affected and are the consequences of this?
Carotid artery (hemiplegia), anterior spinal artery (unequal arm pulses and BP, acute limb ischaemia, paraplegia), renal arteries (anuria).
What will happen if the dissection moves proximally i.e. towards the heart?
Aortic valve incompetence, inferior MI and cardiac arrest may occur.
Name and explain the two types of aortic dissection?
Type A and type B. Type A - the ascending aorta is dissected; type B - the ascending aorta is unaffected.
What is the difference in treatment between type A and type B aortic dissection?
Type A should be considered for surgery urgently whereas type B can be managed medically although surgery may be require in those whose distal dissections are leaking, ruptured or compromising vital organs.
What is the underlying pathology for aortic dissection?
Blood splits the aortic media.
