Aortic dissection 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
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
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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]

Diagnosis

In a study by Spittell et.al. at the Mayo, the initial clinical impression of dissection (after history, physical, chest x-ray and echocardiography) was made in 62% of patients. A correct diagnosis was more commonly made in patients with type I or type II dissections. The differential is quite broad and depends upon the location of dissection, aortic root / coronary involvement, and obstruction of aortic or aortic branch blood flow.