Aortic dissection: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the most common and important risk factor for aortic dissection?
A. Bicuspid aortic valve
B. Connective tissue disorder
C. Turner’s syndrome
D. Systemic hypertension
E. Aortic surgery
Answer and topic summary
The answer is D. Systemic hypertension
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency and is defined by a tear of the inner layer of the aorta. On an exam, you may be asked about the classifications:
– Standford Classification: Stanford A is ascending aorta and Standford B is descending aorta
– DeBakey Classifications: type I is Both (ascending + descending aorta), type II is Ascending aorta, and III is Descending aorta. (Hint: It spells out BAD.)
The most important & common risk factor is systemic hypertension. Known causes of acute, severe increases in blood pressure include weight lifting, energy drinks, and cocaine. The classic presentation is “tearing and ripping chest pain with pulse deficits.” Treatment is lowering the BP via IV beta-blockers for both Type A and B and then surgery (for Type A).
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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Cardiology ⇒ ⇒
