Aortic Dissection

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An aortic dissection is a life-threatening type of aortic disease resulting from a tear in the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

 

The sooner an aortic dissection is treated, repaired or replaced, the better the outcome. Specialists at Houston Methodist use the most advanced imaging technologies to help diagnose an aortic dissection. They also work as a team to design a treatment plan tailored to your unique condition and needs.

 

If left untreated, an aortic dissection can lead to a loss of blood flow to major organs, heart failure or an aortic aneurysm.

About Aortic Dissection

What Causes an Aortic Dissection?

Your risk of having an aortic dissection may be elevated due to a number of reasons, including:

  • Age 
  • History of high blood pressure 
  • Previous thoracic aortic aneurysm 
  • Inherited connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome 
  • Congenital heart defects, such as coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the aorta) 
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood vessel swelling due to autoimmune conditions, such as arteritis (inflammation of artery walls)
  • Syphilis
  • Trauma or injury to the aorta, although this is rare

 

In most cases, aortic dissection occurs when the innermost lining of the aorta becomes torn — and blood from within the aorta flows into the middle layer of the aorta’s lining, forcing the middle and inner layers apart from one another. This results in blood either continuing to flow or staying still. If the blood does not flow, it can pool and push blood on other branches — causing them to narrow and further reduce blood flow. It can also result in a ballooning or widening of the aorta, causing an aneurysm.

 

An aortic dissection can occur in the chest (thoracic) area of the aorta or the abdominal aorta.

 

What Are the Symptoms of an Aortic Dissection?

Almost all people with an acute aortic dissection experience pain in the chest, neck, back, abdomen or legs. The area where the pain resides depends on the location of the dissection. The pain often comes on suddenly and is at its most severe at the start. Patients often describe it as a sharp, stabbing pain or tearing. The pain can also travel, moving to the arms or legs as the condition worsens.

 

Additional symptoms of aortic dissection:

  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Pale skin
  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing when lying flat
  • Stroke-like symptoms
  • Sweating
 

How Is an Aortic Dissection Diagnosed?

If you’re suspected to have an aortic dissection, your doctors will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history. In addition, blood work will be done to rule out a heart attack.

 

Other tests may be required, such as:

 

How Is an Aortic Dissection Treated?

In some cases, an aortic dissection can be treated with medications that decrease your blood pressure and manage your pain. Beta blockers may also be prescribed to alleviate hypertension.

 

Endovascular repair, a minimally invasive treatment option, is sometimes needed to treat aortic dissection. This procedure involves making a very small incision in the leg and using a catheter to place a stent graft to reseal the tear in the lining of your aorta.

 

If medications or endovascular repair are not possible, open surgery is often necessary. During open surgery, the segment of torn aorta is removed and replaced with a synthetic graft.

 

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    An International Flight Results in a Lifesaving Miracle: Ronny’s Story

    A native Guatemalan, Ronny Yon was diagnosed with acute aortic dissection and traveled to Houston Methodist for treatment. Read Ronny’s story >