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

• chest pain

• clammy skin

• decreased movement, any location

• decreased sensation, any location

• dizziness, fainting

• high blood pressure

• intense anxiety, anguish

• nausea and vomiting

• pallor (paleness)

• profuse sweating 

• rapid pulse

• shortness of breath

• 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:

• physical examination and patient history  

• chest x-ray   

• echocardiogram (transthoracic or transesophageal)

• chest or abdominal CT scan

• chest or abdominal MRI  

• thoracic or abdominal aortic angiography   

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