Aortic Dissection

Description
Aortic dissection is a condition in which there is bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta (the major artery from the heart). This condition may also involve abnormal widening or ballooning of the aorta (aneurysm).

Symptoms
Patients with aortic dissection may present with one or several of the following symptoms:

• back pain
• changes in thought ability, confusion, disorientation
• chest pain
• clammy skin
• cough
• decreased movement, any location
• decreased sensation, any location
• dizziness, fainting
• dry skin/mouth
• excessive yawning
• high blood pressure
• intense anxiety, anguish
• nausea and vomiting
• pallor (paleness)
• profuse sweating
• rapid pulse
• shortness of breath
• thirst
• weak or absent pulse

Diagnostic Tools
Many tests are used to diagnose aortic dissection. Usually, more than one test is done before a definitive diagnosis can be made. Some of the tests may include:

• aortic angiography
• chest MRI
• Chest CT Scan
• chest x-ray
• doppler ultrasound
• echocardiogram
• physical examination and patient history

Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for an aortic dissection. These may include:

• Medications, such as antihypertensives, drugs to lower blood pressure or cardiac medications such as beta-blockers
• Surgery
  • coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
  • heart valve surgery (aortic valve replacement)
  • repair or replacement of the section of the aorta