Helical computed tomography (CT) allows diagnosis of acute aortic dissection with a sensitivity and specificity of nearly 100%. With helical CT, a dissection involving the ascending aorta (type A in the Stanford classification) can be differentiated from one distal to the left subclavian artery (type B).

On CT, a number of entities that can mimic a dissection should be considered 5: pseudodissection due to aortic pulsation motion artefact (typically left anterior and right posterior aspects of the ascending aorta) pseudodissection due to contrast streaks. mural thrombus.

The classic sonographic appearance of an aortic dissection is the presence of an intimal flap that appears as a linear, hyperechoic structure separating the aorta into true and false lumens (Figures 2 and 3).

The pain of aortic dissection is typically distinguished from the pain of acute myocardial infarction by its abrupt onset, though the presentations of the two conditions overlap to some degree and are easily confused.

Though computed tomographic (CT) angiography has very high sensitivity and specificity to aid in diagnosing acute aortic dissection, false-negatives can occur.

Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection Having an aortic aneurysm increases the risk of a tear in the aortic lining (aortic dissection), as shown in the image on the right. An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which a tear occurs in the inner layer of the body’s main artery (aorta).

Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) Weakened and bulging artery (aortic aneurysm) An aortic valve defect (bicuspid aortic valve)

Conclusion: The beak sign and a larger cross-sectional area were the most useful indicators of the false lumen for both acute and chronic dissections. Features generally indicative of the true lumen included outer wall calcification and eccentric flap calcification.

Visualization of an intimal flap by ultrasound may carry a sensitivity of 67–80% and specificity of 99–100% for dissection. This rapid, non-invasive method of diagnosis may aid in the early detection and treatment of this deadly diagnosis.

The origin of the aortic arch arteries may mimic aortic dissection. The walls of the adjacent arterial branches may simulate an intimal flap but can be identified on subsequent images (,,,Fig 7). The left brachiocephalic vein usually courses anterior to the supraaortic branches of the aortic arch.

Type A dissection occurs when the tear develops in the ascending part of the aorta just as it branches off the heart, while Type B dissection involves the lower aorta. While Type A dissection is the more dangerous form, chances of survival are significantly improved with early detection and management.

The exact location of the pain varies with regards to which area of the aorta is affected. However, in a small number of cases, aortic dissection occurs gradually thereby not prompting the patient to seek medical care.

It can be difficult to differentiate the signs and symptoms of torn aorta from those of the impaired heart conditions, such as heart attack. The most common symptoms of these conditions are chest pain and pain in the upper back.

CT scan of the thoracic aorta: A CT scan of the thoracic aorta is a radiographic imaging technique that takes multiple, cross-sectional x-rays to create a detailed view of the thoracic aorta; a contrast agent may be injected intravenously to help visualize the aorta and any abnormalities.

A torn aorta, also known as traumatic aortic transection or disruption, is a condition in which the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, splits as a result of shock in the body.

A tear in the wall of the aorta causes blood to flow between the layers, forcing them apart. If the blood-filled channel ruptures through the outside aortic wall, the condition is usually fatal. An aortic tear is often associated with aneurysms, which are weakened areas in the artery wall.