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Heart Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Aortic Dissection

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How is Aortic Dissection Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

An aortic dissection can be misinterpreted as a heart attack or stroke, both also being very serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention. However, specific tests can provide an accurate aortic dissection diagnosis.

  • Chest X-ray uses small amounts of radiation to produce a picture of the inside structures of the heart, chest, lungs, blood vessels (including the aorta), and bones
  • CT scan (computed tomography) uses intravenous dye to highlight areas of an aneurysm or dissection
  • Transthoracic echocardiogram produces moving images of the heart valves and chambers located in the aortic root, the first portion of the aorta
  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) produces more detailed images of the heart valves and chambers and clearer views of the thoracic aorta. This test is administered by placing the ultrasound probe through the mouth and into the esophagus.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces detailed images of the heart, organs, and other structures in the body, including the aorta. It can visualize moving structures in the body, such as heart valves, chambers, and blood flow.

How is Aortic Dissection Treated?

Treatment

How is Aortic Dissection Treated?

Treatment for an aortic dissection must be prompt—immediate surgery is usually needed.

Type A aortic dissection treatment

  • Graft replacement - The damaged section of the aorta is removed, and the blood is prevented from leaking into the aortic wall. A synthetic tube called a graft is used to reconstruct or replace the aorta.
  • Endovascular stent-graft repair - For patients who are too high risk for open surgery, catheter-based therapy might be attempted for selected patients

Type B aortic dissection treatment

  • Surgery - The surgical approach for type B aortic dissection is often similar to the procedure used for type A. The surgeon may place a stent in the aorta for complicated type B cases.
  • Endovascular stent-graft repair - This surgery involves wire mesh tubes like graft replacement. Once in place inside the aorta, the stent-graft is discharged and opens like a balloon. It then lines and reinforces the weakened place on the aorta.
  • Hybrid approach - This approach uses open surgery with the endovascular stent graft to repair the aorta. This can be done during an emergency operation for type A dissection or as a two-step endovascular repair for type B dissection.
  • Beta blockers – Commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure and heart rate

People generally maintain a regime of blood pressure medications for the rest of their life. In addition, patients maintain regular appointments with their cardiologist to monitor the aortic dissection.

FAQs

FAQs

Blood pressure measurement differences occur if an artery in the arm is blocked due to an aortic dissection. This could indicate a health problem such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Surgery usually takes between 4 to 6 hours; however, in some cases, the surgery can extend to 8 hours.

There is a high mortality rate for those who experience an aortic dissection. However, by getting your blood pressure under control and making lifestyle changes under the guidance of aortic experts, a person can fully recover after an aortic dissection.

Depending on where the aortic dissection happened, there may be a difference in blood pressure readings between the right and left arm and legs. An aortic dissection closer to the heart could produce a murmur audible through a stethoscope.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes very important after an aortic dissection. Eating healthy and engaging in daily physical activity is important to maintain a healthy life. people who have had an aortic dissection may continue with mild to moderate physical activity such as:

  • Walking
  • Swimming
  • Light jogging
  • Biking
  • Dancing
  • Intercourse
  • Climbing stairs

Heavy weightlifting should be avoided. Consult with your doctor on the duration and type of exercise safe for you.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Aortic Dissection Treatment

It is important to  recognize the symptoms of an aortic dissection. Aortic dissection is a serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Call NewYork-Presbyterian for an appointment or  a consultation with one of our prominent, leading cardiologists experienced in the treatment of aortic dissections.