Aortic Dissection

Diagnosis of Aortic Dissection

Diagnosing an aortic dissection can be challenging because its symptoms often resemble other heart conditions. Many cases are diagnosed in an emergency setting, where a care team performs a rapid assessment.

Signs your healthcare professional may check:

Weaker pulse in one arm or leg compared to the other.
Differences in blood pressure readings between the right and left arms.

Tests to confirm aortic dissection:

Chest X-ray: Can show widening of the aorta and changes in the heart or lungs.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): Provides detailed images of the heart and aorta from inside the body.
CT scan of the chest: Cross-sectional images help confirm the presence and location of a dissection.
Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA): Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to image the blood vessels.

Early detection is critical because aortic dissection is life-threatening.

Treatment of Aortic Dissection

Treatment depends on the type and location of the dissection and may include medications, surgery, or both.

Type A aortic dissection (ascending aorta):

Surgery: Removes damaged portions of the aorta and replaces them with a synthetic graft. If the aortic valve is affected, it may be replaced.
Medications: Help reduce heart rate and blood pressure to prevent worsening of the dissection. Medicines are also used preoperatively.

Type B aortic dissection (descending aorta):

Medications: Often the first-line treatment to control blood pressure and heart rate.
Surgery or stent placement: Used in complicated cases. Stents (small wire mesh tubes) may be inserted to keep the aorta open and repair the dissection.

Post-treatment care: