Aortic dissection

Aortic dissection is a tear of the aorta (the largest artery of the body). This tear causes blood to flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta and dissects the layers apart. Aortic dissection is an extremely serious medical emergency and can quickly lead to death.

Classification systems

Several different classification systems have been used to describe aortic dissections. The systems commonly in use are either based on the anatomy of the dissection or the duration of onset of symptoms prior to presentation.

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DeBakey classification system

The DeBakey system is an anatomical description of the aortic dissection. It categorizes the dissection based on where the original intimal tear is located and the extent of the dissection (localized to either the ascending aorta or descending aorta, or involves both the ascending and descending aorta.

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• Type I - Originates in ascending aorta, propagates at least to the aortic arch and often beyond it distally.
• Type II ? Originates in and is confined to the ascending aorta.
• Type III ? Originates in descending aorta, rarely extends proximally.