Aortic Dissection

Question 1

Explain how pain from aortic dissection varies from pain of an MI.

Answer 1

Aortic dissection pain is:

• rapid onset
• maximum pain

Question 2

Explain “Horner syndrome” and it’s relation to aortic dissection.

Answer 2

Horner syndrome (“-osis”)

• ptosis (drooping of eyelids)
• miosis (pupil constriction)
• anhidrosis (hemifacial sweating)

This occurs when aortic dissection prevents blood flow the sympathetic cervical chain ganglia.