emDocs - May 31, 2016 - Originally published at CoreEM.net - By: Ortega A
Edited by: Swaminathan A
"A tear in the innermost layer of the aorta (the intima) allowing for blood to dissect between layers of the aortic wall, which may lead to end-organ damage or death...
Take Home Points
- Aortic dissection may occur in any location along the aorta and therefore the range of presentations is broad. Many AD patients do not fit the textbook presentation.
- CT, TEE and MRI are the most reliable methods to diagnose AD
- Once AD is diagnosed, rapid mobilization of consultant services is critical to increase the chance for survival
- Treatment in the ED is focused on lowering blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive patients until surgical correction can be achieved"