Page 20 - Demo

Aortic Dissection: Key PointsDefinition:%u2022Tear in the inner layer of the aorta, allowing blood to flow between layersPresentation:%u2022Severe chest pain radiating to the back%u2022Loss of pulse%u2022Potential rupture complicationsRupture Complications:%u2022Hypotension%u2022Cardiac tamponade (if into pericardial cavity)%u2022Haemothorax (if into pleural cavity)%u2022Mediastinal bleedingRisk Factors:%u2022Hypertension%u2022Smoking%u2022Marfan's syndrome%u2022Ehlers-Danlos syndromeInvestigations:%u2022Transoesophageal USG (if patient unstable)%u2022CT angiography (if stable - most appropriate)%u2022MRI (if stable - most accurate)Management of Descending Aortic Dissection%u2022Control hypertension with beta blockers%u2022Surgery - grafting or stenting