Aortic dissection differentiating aortic dissection from other diseases

Aortic dissection Microchapters
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Differentiating Aortic dissection from other Diseases
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Case #1

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Overview

An aortic aneurysm is not synonymous with aortic dissection. Aneurysms are defined as a localized permanent dilation of the aorta to a diameter > 50% of normal. Cystic medial necrosis is the most common risk factor for the development of ascending aortic aneurysms, and atherosclerosis is the most common risk factor for descending aortic aneurysms.

• The natural history of thoracic aneurysms depends on the size. Rupture is the most common cause of death, and the frequency of rupture is much higher in dissecting aneurysms than in non-dissecting ones.

Differential diagnosis of entities to distinguish from aortic dissection

• Aortic Regurgitation
• Aortic Stenosis
• Cardiac Tamponade
• Cardiogenic Shock
• Gastroenteritis
• Hemorrhagic Shock
• Hernias
• Hypertensive Emergencies
• Hypovolemic Shock
• Mechanical Back Pain
• Myocardial Infarction
• Myocarditis
• Myopathies
• Pancreatitis
• Pericarditis
• Peripheral Vascular Injuries
• Pleural Effusion
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome