Aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition in which there is bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta, the major artery carrying blood out of the heart.

                       
Symptoms:

The symptoms usually begin suddenly, and include severe chest pain . The pain may:

• Be described as sharp, stabbing, tearing, or ripping
• Be felt below the chest bone, then moves under the shoulder blades or to the back
• Move to the shoulder, neck, arm, jaw, abdomen, or hips
• Change position -- pain typically moves to the arms and legs as the aortic dissection gets worse

Diagnosis:
Aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm may be seen on:

• Aortic angiography
• Chest x-ray -- may show chest widening or fluid in the lining of the lung (pleural effusion)
• Chest MRI
• CT scan of chest with dye
• Doppler ultrasonography (occasionally performed)
• Echocardiogram
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to prevent complications. Hospitalization is required.
Type A aortic dissections require immediate surgery to repair the aorta. Type B aortic dissections may be treated with medication first.
Drugs that lower blood pressure may be prescribed. Strong pain relievers are usually needed. Heart medications such as beta-blockers may reduce some of the symptoms.
If the aortic valve is damaged, valve replacement is necessary. If the heart arteries are involved, a coronary bypass is also performed.