Study note

Aortic dissection: anatomical types and risk factors

THE CONTEXT

Aortic dissection is classified by involvement of the ascending aorta; the supplied continuation completes the distinction between type A and type B.

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Type A dissection involves the ascending aorta, whereas type B spares it.

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Type A accounts for two-thirds of cases and frequently extends into the descending aorta.

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Hypertension is present in 80%; other listed risk factors include atherosclerosis and coarctation.

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Associated disorders include Marfan syndrome, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, Loeys–Dietz syndrome and fibromuscular dysplasia.

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Pregnancy, usually in the third trimester, and trauma are additional risk factors.

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Previous cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement, is a risk factor.

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Iatrogenic associations include cardiac catheterisation and intra-aortic balloon pumping.

NEETx

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