Vascular Medicine Conference-CVC 2026

Aortic dissection represents a critical medical emergency in which the innermost layer of the aorta develops a tear, permitting blood to enter and dissect between the layers of the vessel wall. This process can result in catastrophic complications, including vessel rupture or compromised perfusion to vital organs. Clinically, patients frequently report the abrupt onset of intense chest or back pain, often characterized as “tearing” or “ripping.” Other pertinent symptoms may involve dyspnea, syncope, generalized weakness, or focal neurological deficits resembling those of a stroke.

Risk factors are well-established and include chronic hypertension, connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, atherosclerosis, and a history of prior cardiac surgery. The urgency of early diagnosis cannot be overstated, as prompt recognition and intervention markedly improve patient survival.

Management strategies depend on the dissection’s anatomical location and severity. Type A dissections, involving the ascending aorta, almost always necessitate emergent surgical intervention to repair or replace the affected segment. In contrast, Type B dissections—those limited to the descending aorta—are frequently managed with aggressive medical therapy aimed at blood pressure and heart rate control, although endovascular stent grafting is indicated in select severe cases. Comprehensive care involves timely diagnosis, vigilant monitoring, and rigorous long-term management of modifiable risk factors to optimize outcomes and mitigate recurrence.