Aortic dissection risk factors

Aortic dissection Microchapters
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Case #1

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

Risk Factors

• Aging
• Hypertension is seen in 71-86% of patients, occurring most frequently in those with type III dissection.
• Bicuspid aortic valve is the next most common risk factor, seen in approximately 7%.
• Marfan’s syndrome was seen in 6%.
• Other uncommon associations include:
  • Giant cell arteritis
  • Cystic medial necrosis
  • Coarctation of the aorta
• Cocaine abuse
• Deceleration trauma most commonly causes aortic rupture, not dissection.
• Risk factors for atherosclerosis are also commonly seen, including tobacco use in 67%, and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in 6%.
• Turner's syndrome
• Tertiary syphilis
• Third trimester of pregnancy