Arterial dissection

A dissection is a condition in which the inside wall of the aorta is damaged in such a way that blood enters through a tear and accumulates between the inside and outside walls. This may result in side branches being pressed flat.

Symptoms indicating the disease

A dissection of the artery in the chest or abdomen (aorta) can cause a very wide range of symptoms:

  • Sudden severe back or abdominal pain
  • Pain between the shoulder blades
  • Differences in blood pressure between left and right sides
  • Ischaemia affecting organs or limbs

Due to the risk of bleeding and poor blood supply to the brain, intestines, kidneys and limbs, a dissection is acutely life-threatening.

Possible treatments