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==Overview==
==Overview==
[[Aortic]] dissection begins as a tear in the [[aortic]] wall in > 95% of patients. The tear is usually transverse, extends through the [[intima]] and halfway through the [[tunica media|media]] and involves ~50% of the [[aortic]] circumference. Two thirds of dissections originate in the [[ascending aorta]], and 20% are in the [[proximal]] [[descending aorta]].
[[Aortic]] dissection begins as a tear in the [[aortic]] wall in > 95% of patients. The tear is usually transverse, extends through the [[intima]] and halfway through the [[tunica media|media]] and involves ~50% of the [[aortic]] circumference. Two thirds of dissections originate in the [[ascending aorta]], and 20% are in the [[proximal]] [[descending aorta]].
 
==Pathophysiology==
==Normal Anatomy of the Aorta==
===Normal Anatomy of the Aorta===
As with all other [[artery|arteries]], the [[aorta]] is made up of three layers. The layer that is in direct contact with the flow of blood is the ''[[tunica intima]]'', commonly called the ''[[intima]]''. This layer is made up of mainly [[endothelial cell]]s. Just deep to this layer is the ''[[tunica media]]'', known as the ''[[tunica media|media]]''. This ''middle layer'' is made up of [[smooth muscle]] cells and [[elastic tissue]]. The outermost layer (furthest from the flow of blood) is known as the ''[[tunica adventitia]]'' or the ''[[adventitia]]''. This layer is composed of [[connective tissue]].[[Image:AoDissect Schema 01a.png|left|thumb|Blood penetrates the ''[[intima]]'' and enters the ''[[tunica media|media]]'' layer.]]
As with all other [[artery|arteries]], the [[aorta]] is made up of three layers. The layer that is in direct contact with the flow of blood is the ''[[tunica intima]]'', commonly called the ''[[intima]]''. This layer is made up of mainly [[endothelial cell]]s. Just deep to this layer is the ''[[tunica media]]'', known as the ''[[tunica media|media]]''. This ''middle layer'' is made up of [[smooth muscle]] cells and [[elastic tissue]]. The outermost layer (furthest from the flow of blood) is known as the ''[[tunica adventitia]]'' or the ''[[adventitia]]''. This layer is composed of [[connective tissue]].[[Image:AoDissect Schema 01a.png|left|thumb|Blood penetrates the ''[[intima]]'' and enters the ''[[tunica media|media]]'' layer.]]


==Initial Intimal Tear==
===Initial Intimal Tear===
* [[Aortic]] dissection begins as a tear in the [[aortic]] wall in > 95% of patients.
* [[Aortic]] dissection begins as a tear in the [[aortic]] wall in > 95% of patients.
*It is usually transverse, extends through the [[intima]] and halfway through the [[tunica media|media]] and involves ~50% of the [[aortic]] circumference.
*It is usually transverse, extends through the [[intima]] and halfway through the [[tunica media|media]] and involves ~50% of the [[aortic]] circumference.
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:*5% in the more [[distal]] [[descending aorta]]
:*5% in the more [[distal]] [[descending aorta]]


==Propagation of the Intimal Tear==
===Propagation of the Intimal Tear===
In an [[aortic]] dissection, blood penetrates the ''[[intima]]'' and enters the ''[[tunica media|media]]'' layer. The high pressure rips the [[biological tissue|tissue]] of the ''[[tunica media|media]]'' apart, allowing more blood to enter. This can propagate along the length of the aorta for a variable distance, dissecting either towards or away from the [[heart]] or both.
In an [[aortic]] dissection, blood penetrates the ''[[intima]]'' and enters the ''[[tunica media|media]]'' layer. The high pressure rips the [[biological tissue|tissue]] of the ''[[tunica media|media]]'' apart, allowing more blood to enter. This can propagate along the length of the aorta for a variable distance, dissecting either towards or away from the [[heart]] or both.


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Separating the [[false lumen]] from the true [[lumen]] is a layer of [[intima]]l [[tissue]]. This [[tissue]] is known as the ''[[intima]]l flap''. As blood flows down the [[false lumen]], it may cause secondary tears in the [[intima]]. Through these secondary tears, the blood can re-enter the true [[lumen]].
Separating the [[false lumen]] from the true [[lumen]] is a layer of [[intima]]l [[tissue]]. This [[tissue]] is known as the ''[[intima]]l flap''. As blood flows down the [[false lumen]], it may cause secondary tears in the [[intima]]. Through these secondary tears, the blood can re-enter the true [[lumen]].


==Risk Factors for an Intimal Tear==
===Risk Factors for an Intimal Tear===
While it is not always clear why an [[intima]]l tear may occur, quite often it involves degeneration of the [[collagen]] and [[elastin]] that make up the [[tunica media|media]]. This is known as ''[[cystic medial necrosis]]'' and is most commonly associated with [[Marfan syndrome]] and is also associated with [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]]. [[Aging]], [[atherosclerosis]], [[diabetes]], [[hypertension]] and [[trauma]] are common risk factors for [[aortic]] dissection. Uncommon risk factors include [[Bicuspid aortic valve]], [[cocaine]], [[Coarctation of the aorta]], [[Cystic medial necrosis]], [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]], [[Giant cell arteritis]], [[Heart surgery]], [[Marfan’s syndrome]], [[Pseudoxanthoma elasticum]], [[Turner's syndrome]], [[Tertiary syphilis]] and the [[third trimester of pregnancy]].
While it is not always clear why an [[intima]]l tear may occur, quite often it involves degeneration of the [[collagen]] and [[elastin]] that make up the [[tunica media|media]]. This is known as ''[[cystic medial necrosis]]'' and is most commonly associated with [[Marfan syndrome]] and is also associated with [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]]. [[Aging]], [[atherosclerosis]], [[diabetes]], [[hypertension]] and [[trauma]] are common risk factors for [[aortic]] dissection. Uncommon risk factors include [[Bicuspid aortic valve]], [[cocaine]], [[Coarctation of the aorta]], [[Cystic medial necrosis]], [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]], [[Giant cell arteritis]], [[Heart surgery]], [[Marfan’s syndrome]], [[Pseudoxanthoma elasticum]], [[Turner's syndrome]], [[Tertiary syphilis]] and the [[third trimester of pregnancy]].


==Aortic Dissection in the Absence of an Intimal Tear==
===Aortic Dissection in the Absence of an Intimal Tear===
In about 13% of [[aortic]] dissections, there is no evidence of an [[intima]]l tear. It is believed that in these cases the inciting event is an intramural [[hematoma]] (caused by [[hemorrhage]] within the [[media]]). Since there is no direct connection between the true [[lumen]] and the [[false lumen]] in these cases, it is difficult to diagnose an [[aortic]] dissection by [[aortography]] if the [[etiology]] is an intramural [[hematoma]]. An [[aortic]] dissection secondary to an intramural [[hematoma]] should be treated the same as one caused by an [[intimal]] tear.
In about 13% of [[aortic]] dissections, there is no evidence of an [[intima]]l tear. It is believed that in these cases the inciting event is an intramural [[hematoma]] (caused by [[hemorrhage]] within the [[media]]). Since there is no direct connection between the true [[lumen]] and the [[false lumen]] in these cases, it is difficult to diagnose an [[aortic]] dissection by [[aortography]] if the [[etiology]] is an intramural [[hematoma]]. An [[aortic]] dissection secondary to an intramural [[hematoma]] should be treated the same as one caused by an [[intimal]] tear.


An [[aortic]] intramural [[hematoma]] can form when the [[vasa vasorum]] ruptures into the [[aortic]] wall. This is distinguished from dissection by the lack of an [[intima]]l tear. This disorder parallels [[aortic]] dissection in terms of [[prognosis]] when the [[ascending aorta]] or [[aortic arch]] is involved, and rapid [[surgery|surgical]] intervention is indicated. Involvement of the [[descending aorta]], however, carries a better [[prognosis]] than dissection, and outcome tends to be similar with medical or [[surgery|surgical]] [[therapy]].
An [[aortic]] intramural [[hematoma]] can form when the [[vasa vasorum]] ruptures into the [[aortic]] wall. This is distinguished from dissection by the lack of an [[intima]]l tear. This disorder parallels [[aortic]] dissection in terms of [[prognosis]] when the [[ascending aorta]] or [[aortic arch]] is involved, and rapid [[surgery|surgical]] intervention is indicated. Involvement of the [[descending aorta]], however, carries a better [[prognosis]] than dissection, and outcome tends to be similar with medical or [[surgery|surgical]] [[therapy]].


==Gross Pathology Images==
===Gross Pathology Images===
[http://www.peir.net Images shown below are courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology]
[http://www.peir.net Images shown below are courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology]
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Revision as of 18:25, 25 January 2013

Aortic dissection Microchapters

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Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Aortic dissection from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

X-ray

Echocardiography and Ultrasound

CT scan

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Special Scenarios

Management during Pregnancy

Case Studies

Case #1


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

Overview

Aortic dissection begins as a tear in the aortic wall in > 95% of patients. The tear is usually transverse, extends through the intima and halfway through the media and involves ~50% of the aortic circumference. Two thirds of dissections originate in the ascending aorta, and 20% are in the proximal descending aorta.

Pathophysiology

Normal Anatomy of the Aorta

As with all other arteries, the aorta is made up of three layers. The layer that is in direct contact with the flow of blood is the tunica intima, commonly called the intima. This layer is made up of mainly endothelial cells. Just deep to this layer is the tunica media, known as the media. This middle layer is made up of smooth muscle cells and elastic tissue. The outermost layer (furthest from the flow of blood) is known as the tunica adventitia or the adventitia. This layer is composed of connective tissue.

Blood penetrates the intima and enters the media layer.

Initial Intimal Tear

  • Aortic dissection begins as a tear in the aortic wall in > 95% of patients.
  • It is usually transverse, extends through the intima and halfway through the media and involves ~50% of the aortic circumference.

Location of dissections:

Propagation of the Intimal Tear

In an aortic dissection, blood penetrates the intima and enters the media layer. The high pressure rips the tissue of the media apart, allowing more blood to enter. This can propagate along the length of the aorta for a variable distance, dissecting either towards or away from the heart or both.

Once a tear develops, blood then passes into the media, and a false lumen is dissected in the outer layer of aortic media involving ~50% of the aortic circumference. This false lumen can enlarge, and compress the true lumen, as well as extend proximally or distally and occlude aortic branches. For some unknown reason, the right lateral wall of the ascending aorta is the most common site for dissection. The right coronary artery can become occluded as a result of this propagation.

Separating the false lumen from the true lumen is a layer of intimal tissue. This tissue is known as the intimal flap. As blood flows down the false lumen, it may cause secondary tears in the intima. Through these secondary tears, the blood can re-enter the true lumen.

Risk Factors for an Intimal Tear

While it is not always clear why an intimal tear may occur, quite often it involves degeneration of the collagen and elastin that make up the media. This is known as cystic medial necrosis and is most commonly associated with Marfan syndrome and is also associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Aging, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension and trauma are common risk factors for aortic dissection. Uncommon risk factors include Bicuspid aortic valve, cocaine, Coarctation of the aorta, Cystic medial necrosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Giant cell arteritis, Heart surgery, Marfan’s syndrome, Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Turner's syndrome, Tertiary syphilis and the third trimester of pregnancy.

Aortic Dissection in the Absence of an Intimal Tear

In about 13% of aortic dissections, there is no evidence of an intimal tear. It is believed that in these cases the inciting event is an intramural hematoma (caused by hemorrhage within the media). Since there is no direct connection between the true lumen and the false lumen in these cases, it is difficult to diagnose an aortic dissection by aortography if the etiology is an intramural hematoma. An aortic dissection secondary to an intramural hematoma should be treated the same as one caused by an intimal tear.

An aortic intramural hematoma can form when the vasa vasorum ruptures into the aortic wall. This is distinguished from dissection by the lack of an intimal tear. This disorder parallels aortic dissection in terms of prognosis when the ascending aorta or aortic arch is involved, and rapid surgical intervention is indicated. Involvement of the descending aorta, however, carries a better prognosis than dissection, and outcome tends to be similar with medical or surgical therapy.

Gross Pathology Images

Images shown below are courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology

  • Dissecting Aneurysm: Gross very good example dissected channel has been opened.

    Dissecting Aneurysm: Gross very good example dissected channel has been opened.

  • Dissecting Aneurysm: Gross external view good appearance from adventitia.

    Dissecting Aneurysm: Gross external view good appearance from adventitia.

  • Dissecting Aneurysm: Gross opened false channel.

    Dissecting Aneurysm: Gross opened false channel.

References

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