Acute Aortic Dissection

Abstract

The sometimes confusing picture of aortic dissection can be understood best if one relates the symptoms and signs either to the dissection itself or to the consequent occlusion of arteries arising from the aorta. Mortality is high, particularly when the dissection involves the ascending aorta. Surgery may be necessary for any of a number of reasons. Antihypertensive drugs have been the mainstay of nonoperative management.