Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm (Dilation)
Description
Occurs when the wall of the aorta becomes divided and blood dissects between the layers of the blood vessel. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and it carries oxygenated blood away from the heart. As the vessel wall is damaged, the openings to other important arteries can become occluded causing strokes, heart attacks or other serious organ failure. The aorta can burst causing the patient to quickly bleed to death. Dissections are usually caused from atherosclerotic disease or because of congenitally abnormal elastic tissue. The dissection can occur in the aorta in the chest (thoracic), in the abdominal aorta, or in both the chest and the abdomen.
Symptoms
Chest pain, tearing chest pain, chest pain radiating to the back, shortness of breath, fainting, weakness, low blood pressure.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays cannot accurately diagnose the dissection. A chest CT scan or MRI are the best diagnostic studies along with transesophageal echocardiogram.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
If the dissection involves the first part of the aorta in the chest surgery is usually required. If only the latter portion of the aorta is involved than aggressive blood control is the treatment of choice. Surgery is also performed if important blood vessels supplying important organs are blocked.
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