The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Aortic Dissection

A tear in the inner layer of the aorta that allows blood to enter between the wall layers.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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

What is Aortic Dissection?

Aortic dissection occurs when the inner layer (intima) of the aorta — the body's largest artery — tears, allowing blood to enter the middle layer (media) and create a false lumen. The process can progress within minutes.

Stanford classification divides dissections into type A (involving the ascending aorta) and type B (involving only the descending aorta). Type A is a surgical emergency; type B is often managed medically.

Early diagnosis and intervention are critical; mortality increases by approximately 1–2% per hour. Rapid imaging with contrast-enhanced CT angiography is essential in suspected cases.

Symptoms

Sudden tearing chest and back pain
Pain migrating to the flank or abdomen
Pulse and blood pressure differences between arms
Syncope, altered consciousness, or stroke-like signs
Weakness or coldness in one leg
Shortness of breath and a murmur of aortic regurgitation
Abdominal pain (may indicate mesenteric ischemia)

Risk Factors

Long-standing uncontrolled hypertension
Bicuspid aortic valve and aortic aneurysm
Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan and Ehlers–Danlos syndromes
Pregnancy (particularly in connective tissue disease)
Cocaine use and heavy weight lifting
Blunt chest trauma
Family history of aortic dissection

When to See a Doctor?

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

  • Call emergency services immediately for sudden severe chest or back pain
  • New chest pain in a patient with Marfan syndrome
  • When a blood pressure difference between arms/legs is detected
  • If altered consciousness or limb weakness accompanies the pain

Treatment Methods

01
Emergency surgery in type A dissection (ascending aortic graft replacement)
02
Blood pressure and heart rate control in type B (beta-blockers, sodium nitroprusside)
03
Endovascular stent graft (TEVAR) for complicated type B
04
Invasive arterial pressure monitoring in intensive care
05
Long-term blood pressure control and serial CT angiography follow-up
06
Investigation for connective tissue disease and family screening

Which Department to Visit?

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

Learn About Kardiyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Kardiyoloji

Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

Kardiyoloji

Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

Kardiyoloji

Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Kardiyoloji

A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

Kardiyoloji

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

Kardiyoloji

Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

Kardiyoloji

Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

Kardiyoloji

Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

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.