An aortic dissection is an accumulation of blood in between the wall of the aorta and the blood in between can travel and spread longitudinally.

What is the Pathology of Aortic Dissection?

The pathology of aortic dissection is:

-Etiology: The cause of aortic dissection is uncontrolled high blood pressure, aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, aortic valve defects, and aortic coarctation.

-Genes involved: Unknown.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to aortic dissection are inflammation of the aortic wall that triggers apoptosis of the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, aortic media degeneration, disruption of the elastin fibers, and finally, dissection occurs.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with aortic dissection shows the presence of blood in between the walls of the blood vessels.

-Histology: Abnormal aortic tissue that is ruptured and hemorrhagic.

How does Aortic Dissection Present? 

Patients with aortic dissection typically are both male and present at the age range of reproductive years in females while in the male it is at the age of 60 years. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with aortic dissection include severe chest pain, neck or jaw pain, cerebral vascular accident, dyspnea, hemoptysis, and dysphagia.

How Is Aortic Dissection Diagnosed? 

Aortic dissection is diagnosed by history and physical examination, electrocardiography, complete blood count, chest radiography, MRI, 

How is Aortic Dissection Treated? 

Aortic dissection is treated by endovascular repair, antihypertensives, pain management, and placement of a dacron graft.

What is the Prognosis of Aortic Dissection?

The prognosis of aortic dissection is poor since it has a high mortality rate because diagnosis is often made when reprinted has occurred, and the damage is irreparable.