Acute aortic dissection

Abstract

Disease processes affecting the aorta are gaining increasing attention as average longevity of the population in this country increases and as awareness of conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease improves. Aortic dissection is commonly seen as a manifestation of these processes in the aging population and is the most common catastrophic illness affecting the aorta. Familiarity with its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy is mandatory to prevent almost certain death if left untreated.