Aortic dissection differential diagnosis

Aortic dissection Microchapters
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Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Aortic dissection from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
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Management during Pregnancy
Case Studies
Case #1

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Overview

Aortic dissection is a life threatening entity that must be distinguished from other life threatening entities such as cardiac tamponade, cardiogenic shock, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism. An aortic aneurysm is not synonymous with aortic dissection. Aneurysms are defined as a localized permanent dilation of the aorta to a diameter > 50% of normal.

Differentiating Aortic dissection from other Diseases

• Aortic regurgitation
• Aortic stenosis
• Cardiac tamponade
• Cardiogenic shock
• Gastroenteritis
• Hemorrhagic shock
• Hernias
• Hypertensive emergencies
• Hypovolemic shock
• Mechanical back pain
• Myocardial infarction
• Myocarditis
• Myopathies
• Pancreatitis
• Pericarditis
• Peripheral vascular injuries
• Pleural effusion
• Pulmonary embolism
• Thoracic outlet syndrome