Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
aortic dissection
A life-threatening condition where blood separates the layers of the aortic wall, creating a false lumen.
Full Definition
A cardiovascular emergency characterized by the separation of the layers of the aortic wall, typically involving the intima and media, creating a false channel (false lumen) for blood flow alongside the true lumen. This condition requires immediate classification and intervention, as it can lead to rupture, organ malperfusion, or cardiac tamponade. The Stanford classification system divides dissections into Type A (involving ascending aorta) and Type B (confined to descending aorta).
Usage
Usage note: Always specify Stanford Type A or B classification when documenting.
In Context
- "The patient presented with acute chest pain, and CT angiography revealed a Stanford Type A aortic dissection requiring emergent surgical repair." — Emergency department report
- "Chronic aortic dissection with false lumen thrombosis was managed conservatively with antihypertensive therapy." — Cardiology follow-up note
Also known as
aortic tear
Don't confuse with
aortic rupture
aortic intramural hematoma