Guide To Aortic Dissection Types

How They're Diagnosed

An individual who experiences an aortic dissection is typically diagnosed in the setting of a hospital or emergency department, as most aortic dissections occur suddenly or cause dangerous complications that manifest suddenly. Vitals are taken, and the patient is checked for sounds in the heart that are abnormal. Blood pressure is taken in both of the patient's arms to determine if blood flow has been interrupted to one arm. X-rays are done on the individual's heart, lungs, and aorta to check for aortic dilation or widening. The patient may have a CT scan where they drink a solution that helps the blood vessels light up in the scan images. CT scans can help identify the exact size and location of a patient's aortic dissection. An affected individual may have a transesophageal echocardiogram where an ultrasound probe is used in the esophagus to examine the aortic dissection in further detail. Another imaging method used to diagnose or evaluate an aortic dissection is a magnetic resonance angiogram where dye is injected into the bloodstream, and detailed images are formed by a machine to help the physician determine if a false lumen has developed in the aorta.