Overview

What is Aortic dissection?

The main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body is the aorta. The wall of the aorta is made up of three layers of tissue: the tunica media (middle layer), tunica adventitia (outer layer), and tunica intima (inner layer).

Aortic dissections often happen quickly when a tear in the aorta's inner layer occurs at a sensitive spot. The middle and inner layers of the blood vessel may "cut" as blood passes through the rip, causing a delay or disruption in the regular flow of blood to various body areas. If aortic dissection is not promptly identified and treated, it can be a fatal condition. This occurs when the inner and middle layers of the aorta artery wall separate, causing the aorta to weaken and potentially rupture.

What are the different methods of aortic dissection?

There are two main ways aortic dissection is classified:-

Stanford Bracket- This system categorizes deconstructions based on the position of the gash in the aorta.

Type A: Involves the thrusting aorta, the part closest to the heart, and can extend further down. This is a more critical type, frequently taking immediate surgery.
Type B: Occurs in the descending aorta, the portion beyond the left subclavian roadway (located near the collarbone) and generally does not involve the thrusting aorta. All treatment of aortic dissection depends on the position and inflexibility, and may involve surgery, drugs, or monitoring.

DeBakey Bracket: This is a less common system that focuses on the origin of the gash. It has three orders-

Type I: Starts in the thrusting aorta and extends to the aortic bow (twisted section) at least.
Type II: insulated to the thrusting aorta.
Type III: Begins in the descending aorta and peregrination distally (over). This can be further divided into subtypes, on whether it reaches above or below the diaphragm.

While both bracket systems are used, the Stanford bracket is generally preferred because it helps guide treatment opinions.

What are the symptoms of aortic dissection?

The symptoms of aortic lysis may vary depending on the location and elasticity of the lesion. Some common signs include:

Unforeseen and severe chest pain
Briefness of breath
Sweating
Nausea and puking
Loss of knowledge or dizziness
Palpitations, differences in arms or legs
Other symptoms

Depending on the position of the gash, you might witness fresh symptoms like vision problems, vocalized speech, weakness, or palsy on one side of the body.

What causes aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection can result from a number of causes, such as:

Elevated blood pressure
Atherosclerosis
Disorders of the connective tissue
Trauma

Specific medical treatments Rarely, certain catheterizations and heart surgeries can raise the risk of aortic dissection.

Age
Family history
Smoking

Aortic analysis is a medical emergency. However, especially for unforeseen and severe chest pain, seek immediate medical attention. If you witness any of the symptoms listed over.

Early diagnosis and treatment are pivotal for perfecting issues.

What are the diagnosis and tests of aortic dissection?

If you need emergency surgery, aortic dissection must be diagnosed quickly. Your medical team needs to determine whether you have an aortic dissection or another condition, such as a heart attack or stroke, that causes similar symptoms. Tests that can be ordered include:

Chest x-ray: This test uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of chest structures, such as the heart, lungs, blood vessels (including the aorta), and bones. This test is not very specific, but it is quick and can help with diagnosis.
Computed tomography (CT): This test gives the best view of the aorta in an emergency and can be performed relatively quickly to look for aneurysms or dissections. Intravenous (IV) contrast may be needed to image the aorta.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram: This test uses ultrasound signals to create moving pictures of the valves and ventricles of the heart and the first part of the aorta (the aortic root).
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): This test gives more detailed images of the heart valves and ventricles than a transthoracic echocardiogram, and gives a clearer view of the thoracic aorta. The ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus, which passes just behind the heart and in front of the descending aorta.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test uses a large magnet and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures in the body, including the aorta. This creates video images of the valves and ventricles of the heart, and blood flow through the aorta. This test takes longer than a regular CT scan, so it is not often used in emergency situations.

How is an aortic dissection treated?

Aortic dissection is an emergency that requires immediate treatment. Treatment may include surgery or medications, depending on which area of the aorta is affected.

Type A Aortic Dissection-

Treatment for type A aortic dissection includes:

Surgery- The surgeon removes as much of the dissected aorta as possible and prevents blood from entering the aortic wall. A synthetic tube (graft) is used to reconstruct the aorta. If the aortic valve is leaking due to damage to the aorta, it can be replaced at the same time. A new valve is inserted into the graft.
Medications- Medications to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure are given to prevent the aortic dissection from getting worse. Patients with Type A aortic dissection may be given these to control their blood pressure before surgery.

Aortic Dissection Type B-

Treatment for aortic dissection type B may include:

Surgery- The same medications used to treat type A aortic dissection can also be used to treat type B aortic dissection without surgery.
Medication- This procedure is similar to the one used to repair a type A aortic dissection, but to repair a complex type B aortic dissection, a stent, a small wire mesh tube that acts as a kind of scaffolding, may be inserted into the aorta.

After treatment, you may need to take medicines for the rest of your life to control your blood pressure. You may need to have regular CT or MRI scans to monitor your condition.

Can aortic dissection be cured?

A number of factors that raise the risk of aortic dissection cannot be modified, including genetic triggers linked to a family history of the ailment, connective tissue abnormalities, and specific heart problems at birth. However, as with many other illnesses and disorders, you can lower some of your risks by changing the modifiable risk factors. Some of these risks include:

Lowering high blood pressure to the desired level of 120/80 mm/Hg by prescription medication, dietary changes, and other measures advised by your physician.

Giving off tobacco use and smoking, as well as keeping a healthy weight.

Using a seat belt to protect your chest in the event of an accident.

Visiting your doctor for routine examinations and at any other time when a change in your health occurs.

It's critical to screen first-degree relatives for aortic dissection risk to determine their own risk of developing aortic disease. They can be closely monitored and managed in advance of an aortic incident.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Aortic Dissection?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Cardiac Science Centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Aortic Dissection.