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Aortic dissection

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Aortic aneurysm - dissecting

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is prevention of complications. Hospitalization is required.

Type A aortic dissections require surgery to repair the aorta. Type B aortic dissections may be treated with medication.

Anti-hypertensives (drugs that lower blood pressure) may be prescribed. These drugs may be given through a vein (intravenously). Strong pain relievers are usually needed. Heart medications such as beta-blockers may reduce some of the symptoms.

Surgery to repair or replace the damaged section of aorta can cure the condition in some cases. If the aortic valve is damaged, valve replacement is necessary. If the coronary (heart) arteries are involved, a coronary bypass is also performed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Aortic dissection is life threatening. The chance of death within the first 48 hours is 1% per hour for patients who do not get treatment. The condition can be cured with surgery if it is done before the aorta ruptures. Less than half of patients with ruptured aorta survive.

Complications:

• Bleeding from the aorta
• Aortic rupture causing rapid blood loss, shock
• Clot formation
• Insufficient circulation past the area of the dissection
• Irreversible kidney failure
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Cardiac tamponade

Calling your health care provider:

If you have symptoms of aortic dissection or severe chest pain, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the emergency room as quickly as possible.

• Review Date: 5/27/2006
• Reviewed By: Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided byVeriMed Healthcare Network.

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