Glossary/Aortic Disease

Aortic Dissection.

A tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall that allows blood to flow between the layers, creating a false channel. Type A dissections (involving the ascending aorta) require emergency surgery. A life-threatening cardiovascular emergency.

Definition

What is aortic dissection?

A tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall that allows blood to flow between the layers, creating a false channel. Type A dissections (involving the ascending aorta) require emergency surgery. A life-threatening cardiovascular emergency.

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Related Terms

Related glossary terms.

Type A Dissection
An aortic dissection that involves the ascending aorta, regardless of where the tear originates. ...
Type B Dissection
An aortic dissection confined to the descending aorta (beyond the left subclavian artery). Often ...
Aortic Aneurysm
An abnormal bulging or dilation of the aorta, the body's largest artery. Can occur in the thoraci...
Marfan Syndrome
A genetic connective tissue disorder that affects the heart, blood vessels, bones, and eyes. Pati...
See Also

Related conditions we review.

Aortic Dissection
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic Regurgitation
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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Aortic Arch Replacement
Next
Aortic Root
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