Student study notes from paramedic coursework (2023 to 2024), not medical advice. Verify clinical values against current references and your local protocols.
| EMS etiologies | Setting: ER |
Aortic dissection (AD) occurs when there is a tear in the innermost layer of the aorta, allowing blood to enter and separate the layers of the aortic wall. This leads to a potentially life-threatening condition. AD can rapidly lead to death due to insufficient blood flow to the heart or complete aortic rupture.
AD is classified into two main types based on its location: type A, which involves the ascending aorta, and type B, which involves the descending aorta. Diagnosis is made through medical imaging, such as CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound.
AD is characterized by the sudden onset of severe chest or back pain, often described as “tearing.” Other symptoms may include vomiting, sweating, lightheadedness, and organ damage from reduced blood supply, such as stroke or ischemia in the limbs or intestines.
Treatment varies depending on the location and severity of the dissection. Type A dissections typically require urgent surgery, while type B dissections may be managed with blood pressure control unless complications arise. Prevention includes managing risk factors like hypertension and smoking cessation. Without treatment, AD has a high mortality rate, especially for type A dissections, where half of patients may die within three days.