Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is caused by tear of intima of aorta which can propagate distally or proximally. Aortic dissection affects males more usually in the old age group.

Causes-

1.      Systemic hypertension.
2.      Giant cell arteritis.
3.      Behcet’s disease.
4.      Injury.
5.      Coarctation of aorta.
6.      Bicuspid aortic valve disease.

Symptoms-

1.      Aortic dilatation, which causes dissecting aneurysm of aorta.
2.      Sudden chest pain in front or back of chest usually in interscapular area.
3.      Vertigo, difficulty in breathing, fatigue.
4.      Hypertension or sometimes low blood pressure may be there.
5.      Ischaemia of vital organs of body.
6.      Pulmonary oedema.

Investigations-

1.      Chest x-ray.
2.      ECG.
3.      Aortography.
4.      Echocardiography.
5.      MRI of heart.

Do you know about- Angina Pectoris 

Aortic Regurgitation