Aortic dissection

Question 1

What is aortic dissection?

Answer 1

When the tunica intimata (innermost layer of the blood vessel) of the aorta is ripped off.

Question 2

What is the false lumen of the blood vessel?

Answer 2

When blood flows the aorta but rips though the tunica media (middle layer) and flows in between the other and middle layer instead of just the middle layer.

Question 3

What is the true lumen of the blood vessel?

Answer 3

The normal flow of blood in the aorta.

Question 4

What is the cause of aortic dissection?

Answer 4

High pressure
Chronic hypertension
Weakened aortic wall
Aneurysms

Question 5

Where does type A aortic dissection occur?

Answer 5

First 10cm of the aorta.

Question 6

Where does type B aortic dissection occur?

Answer 6

Lower aorta

Question 7

What is pericardial tamponade

Answer 7

When blood flows back up the aorta in the false lumen space into the pericardial space causing pericardial tamponade.

Question 8

What are the main symptoms of aortic dissection?

Answer 8

Sharp chest pains that radiate to back.
Weak pulse in downstream artery
Difference in BP between left and right arms
Hypotension
Shock