ABSTRACT
Aortic dissection is the commonest aortic emergency affecting 10 to 20 people per million
population (1). The mortality associated with dissection is high if no treatment is given, with
mortality ranging from 36% to 72% (2). Mortality from dissection is approximately 1% per hour
for the first 48 hours with a higher mortality when the ascending aorta is involved (2). Death
results from rupture into the pericardial cavity causing tamponade, or from rupture into the
mediastinum, the pleura or the abdomen. Serious complications arise from ischemia of the
branch vessels resulting inmyocardial infarction, stroke, limb ischemia, paraplegia, visceral and
renal ischemia.
