aortic dissection

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, allowing blood to pass through causing the inner and outer layers to separate

Question 2

What are the causes?

Answer 2

weakened aortic wall, chronic high BP, Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve

Question 3

Presentation?

Answer 3

Chest pain that can radiate to neck or down back described as a tearing pain, shortness of breath, syncope, leg paralysis/pain, weaker pulse in one arm than the other

Question 4

What would it show on a CT scan?

Answer 4

false lumen

Question 5

what is the treatment?

Answer 5

surgery

Question 6

what is Marfan syndrome?

Answer 6

genetic condition to do with a problem with connective tissues

Question 7

What would it show on the CXR?

Answer 7

widening mediastinum

Question 8

what is a precursor for aortic dissection?

Answer 8

intramural haemoatoma