ABSTRACT
The aorta extends all the way from the aortic valve to the point where it bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries. As the aorta dilates, a potentially catastrophic event such as dissection or rupture becomes increasingly likely. If a tear occurs in the intimal layer of the aorta, blood flowing in the aortic lumen can penetrate through to the medial layer to create an extra channel or ‘false lumen’. The blood entering the medial layer can propagate proximally or distally within the wall of the aorta. Blood flowing in the false lumen can re-enter the ‘true’ lumen of the aorta through a further intimal tear elsewhere. Aortic dissections are classified according to the region of aorta involved. Dissections confined to the descending aorta are usually managed pharmacologically, with surgery being reserved for any complications that may occur. Atherosclerotic plaques can form in the aorta, particularly in patients with vascular disease elsewhere.
