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Acute Aortic Dissection Stanford Type A

Type A dissection involving the ascending aorta is a high-mortality emergency cardiovascular condition requiring immediate surgery.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Acute Aortic Dissection Stanford Type A?

Aortic dissection is the formation of a false lumen in the medial layer due to tearing of the intima of the aortic wall. In the Stanford classification, type A involves the ascending aorta and requires emergency surgery.

This condition carries an approximate 1-2% per hour mortality risk; without treatment, mortality may exceed 50% in the first 48 hours. It is most commonly seen in hypertensive men over 60 years of age but can also appear at younger ages in connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome.

Clinical suspicion, D-dimer, transthoracic echocardiography and especially CT angiography are decisive in diagnosis. Early surgical repair (aortic graft) is life-saving.

Symptoms

Sudden onset severe 'tearing' chest or back pain
Pain radiating to neck, jaw or abdomen
Blood pressure difference between two arms (>20 mmHg)
Syncope, dizziness or confusion
Aortic valve insufficiency murmur
Stroke-like neurological deficit
Findings of abdominal pain and leg ischemia

Risk Factors

Uncontrolled hypertension
Connective tissue diseases such as Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos
Bicuspid aortic valve
History of aortic aneurysm
Advanced age and male gender
Cocaine use
History of trauma or cardiac surgery

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Call 112 immediately for sudden onset tearing chest and back pain
  • Suspect chest pain unresponsive to heart attack treatment
  • Go to emergency room when stroke and chest pain coexist
  • Do not delay if new pain begins in known aortic aneurysm
  • Apply immediately if altered consciousness accompanies

Treatment Methods

01
Diagnosis confirmation with emergency CT angiography
02
Rapid activation of cardiovascular surgery team
03
Pulse and blood pressure control with intravenous beta-blocker (target systolic 100-120 mmHg)
04
Adequate analgesia (morphine preferred)
05
Emergency open surgical aortic graft replacement
06
Intensive care follow-up and complication management

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.