Pathophysiology

Aortic dissection can occur as a result of

• a tear in the intima and subsequent propagation of blood in the media - more common
• intramural haemorrhage and haematoma formation in the media followed by perforation of the intima (1)

Aortic dissections are seen

• along the greater curvature of the aorta (usually within 10 cm of the aortic valve) - in majority of dissections
• in the descending thoracic aorta immediately distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery - the next most commonest site (1)

Presence of an intimal flap is the characteristic of aortic dissection (1).

Reference:

• (1) Hebballi R, Swanevelder J. Diagnosis and management of aortic dissection. Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain (2009) 9 (1): 14-18