Aortic Dissection

Aortic Dissection Overview

Aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the major artery carrying blood out of the heart.

Aortic dissection occurs in approximately two out of every 10,000 people.

Aortic dissection complications

With an aortic dissection, blood surges through the tear into and along the wall of the aorta, causing the inner and middle layers to separate (dissect).

If the blood-filled channel ruptures through the aortic wall, aortic dissection is usually fatal.

Aortic dissection risk factors

Aortic dissection can affect anyone, but is most often found in men, aged 40 to 70.

Most commonly associated with high blood pressure, an aortic dissection also can result from atherosclerosis.

Other risk factors include:

• A major chest injury (such as hitting the steering wheel of a car during an accident)
• A hereditary connective tissue disorder
• Pregnancy
• Untreated syphilis

UPMC's multidisciplinary approach

At UPMC, treatment of aortic dissection is handled by experts from either the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery or the Division of Vascular Surgery.

The UPMC Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease is a specialty program led by cardiothoracic surgeons at UPMC. The Center offers a full range of treatments for disorders and diseases affecting the aorta, including aortic dissection.

Diagnosing Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection can occur suddenly, and most cases appear in the emergency department as a sudden catastrophic event.

Symptoms of aortic dissection

Like all types of aneurysms, there may be no symptoms of an aortic dissection.

You may experience a sharp, tearing pain in your chest or upper back, or feel pain in your:

• Shoulder
• Neck
• Arm
• Jaw
• Abdomen
• Hips

Testing for aortic dissection

Since most aortic dissection cases are diagnosed in the emergency room, the emergency physician will perform a physical exam, and then rapidly proceed with imaging studies, including:

• Chest x-rays
• An echocardiogram
• CT scans
• MRI scans
• An aortography

Aortic Dissection Treatment

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization, usually in an intensive care unit (ICU).

The condition can be managed if it is diagnosed and treated before the aorta ruptures.

Fewer than half of patients with a ruptured aorta survive; 60 percent of patients treated for aortic dissection are alive 10 years later.

Our treatment experience

Cardiothoracic surgeons from the Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease and vascular surgeons from the Division of Vascular Surgery offer treatment for aortic dissection.

Request an appointment today.