NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Hypertension & Dyslipidemias
/
Aortic Dissection

Master Aortic Dissection with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Aortic Dissection

Aortic Dissection

A-orca Dissected
tantheman
Aortic dissection is a potentially catastrophic condition initiated by a tear in the aortic intima. There are 2 systems used to classify aortic dissections: Stanford and DeBakey. Under the Stanford classification, type A dissections occur in the ascending aorta while type B dissections are all others. Risk factors include hypertension, aortic aneurysm, and connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome. Clinical features of this disease include sudden, severe chest pain that may radiate to the back, blood pressure difference between upper extremities, and mediastinal widening on chest X-ray. Treatment includes surgery for Type A as they carry a risk of dissecting proximally into the pericardium and heart valves. Type B dissections are managed with beta blockers to reduce blood pressure.
12 KEY FACTS
CHARACTERISTICS
Tear in Aortic Intima
Torn intimacy-inn sign

Aortic dissection is initiated by a tear in the aortic intimal layer, causing it to separate from the medial layer.

Stanford Classification
Stanford sweater

The most commonly used classification for aortic dissection is the Stanford Classification, which designates dissections of the ascending aorta as Type A and dissections of the descending aorta as Type B.

Type A: Tear of Ascending Aorta
A- apple in up-elevator

Under the Stanford classification, a type A dissection defines any dissection that involves the ascending aorta. Note that this means a dissection involving the ascending and descending aorta would be classified as Type A.

Type B: Tear of Descending Aorta
Bee in down elevator

A type B dissection is defined as a dissection involving the descending aorta.

RISK FACTORS
Hypertension
Hiker-BP

Hypertension is a risk a factor for aortic dissection, as it causes increased wall pressure on the aortic intima, predisposing it to tear.

Aortic Aneurysm
A-orca with Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm is a risk factor for aortic dissection. The increased aortic diameter is associated with elevated wall stress on the aortic intima, which predisposes it to tear.

Marfan Syndrome
Marfan-the-martian

Marfan Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disease, is a known risk factor for the development of aortic dissection. In fact, up to 50% of young children with Marfan Syndrome may already have aortic dilatation, which will progress over time to aortic aneurysm. Aortic root disease in general in the form of dissection as well as aortic regurgitation is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Marfan Syndrome.



SIGNS/SYMPTOMS
Chest Pain
Chest Pain-bolt

One of the common symptoms associated with aortic dissection is chest pain.

Blood Pressure Difference Between Arms
Blood pressure cuffs on each arm

One of the signs of aortic dissection is variation in pulse (absence of a proximal extremity or carotid pulse) and/or blood pressure (>20 mmHg difference between the right and left arm).

Mediastinal Widening
Widened Mediastinum

Mediastinal widening on chest X ray is a potential sign of aortic dissection.

TREATMENT
Surgery for Type A
Surgeon skewering A apple on scalpel

Type A dissections involving the ascending aorta require emergent surgical repair, as they can dissect back into the pericardium and cardiac tissue, causing tamponade, MI, or regurgitation.

Beta Blockers for Type B
Bee-hive on beta fish blocks

Type B dissections are treated conservatively with beta blockers as they do not portend an immediate risk for a surgical emergency.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Hypertension Assessment
picmonic thumbnail
Blood Pressure Classification (JNC 7)
picmonic thumbnail
Blood Pressure Classification (ACC/AHA 2017)
picmonic thumbnail
Hypertension Management (JNC-8)
picmonic thumbnail
Hypercholesterolemia Disease

Take the Aortic Dissection Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,960,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.