Aortic Dissection
Aortic dissection is a tear in the inner wall of the aorta — the large artery leaving the heart — which lets blood split between the layers of the wall.
When to get help quickly: It is a medical emergency. Sudden severe tearing chest or back pain, especially with a known aortic risk factor (hypertension, connective tissue disease, family history), needs immediate hospital review.
Common symptoms
The classic symptom is sudden, severe, tearing chest or back pain that moves through the body. Some people also have differences in pulse or blood pressure between arms, weakness, fainting, or stroke-like symptoms.
When imaging helps
Imaging is the test that confirms the diagnosis, shows which parts of the aorta are torn, and tells the surgical team where to act.
What radiology does
CT angiography is the fastest first-line test; MRI or transoesophageal echocardiography can be used when CT isn't available or contrast isn't safe.
What usually happens next
Treatment depends on which part of the aorta is torn — Type A (closer to the heart) usually needs urgent open surgery; Type B (further down) is often managed with strict blood pressure control and endovascular stent-grafting when needed.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related scan guides
- CT AortogramA CT aortogram is a specialized scan that uses X-rays and contrast dye to create detailed images of your aorta. It helps detect dangerous conditions like aortic aneurysms or tears (dissections).
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a specialized heart scan performed by passing a flexible tube down your esophagus (food pipe). It provides extremely clear, close-up ultrasound images of your heart chambers and valves.