Diagnosing Aortic Dissection

Overview

Aortic dissection is a serious condition where the inner layer of the aorta, the large artery carrying blood from the heart, tears. Blood then leaks between the layers of the artery wall, forming a false channel called a "false lumen." This weakens the artery and can cause dangerous problems like an aneurysm (a bulge in the artery) or a rupture.

To diagnose aortic dissection, doctors may perform several examinations, screening tests, and procedures. These help confirm the diagnosis and determine the type, severity, or stage of the condition. Here's what you can expect:

  • Medical history and physical examination:
    • Your doctor will take your medical history and ask about your symptoms.
    • They will then perform a physical examination to look for signs of aortic dissection, such as abnormal heartbeat, differences in blood pressure between the left and right arms, and sudden, intense pain in the chest, back, or abdomen.
  • Imaging tests: These tests help confirm or rule out a diagnosis of aortic dissection by providing detailed images of the aorta and detecting any abnormalities. Imaging tests may include:
    • Chest X-ray: This test can show a widening of the aorta. However, in some cases, the images may appear normal even if you have aortic dissection.
    • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): In this procedure, a probe is placed down your esophagus (the tube that food passes from the mouth to the stomach) to produce an image of your heart using sound waves. The doctor can check for irregularities in the heart.
    • Aortic angiogram: During this procedure, a contrast liquid is injected into your arteries. X-rays are then taken to identify any abnormalities in the aorta.
    • Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA): This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to examine your blood vessels.
  • Lab tests: Your healthcare provider may order lab tests to check samples of your blood and urine. These tests help diagnose diseases and determine how severe the aortic dissection is.

Specialists involved in diagnosing aortic dissection may include doctors from various fields such as cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists, or internal medicine specialists.

It's important to note that while these examinations, screening tests, and procedures are commonly used to diagnose aortic dissection and determine its type or severity, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.

What signs and symptoms should I look out for that might indicate Aortic Dissection?

What do the different imaging tests for diagnosing Aortic Dissection involve and how do they work?

What specialists might be involved in diagnosing Aortic Dissection and what role do they play in the process?