Aortic Dissection

How is Aortic Dissection diagnosed?

See how Aortic Dissection is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Aortic Dissection

How is Aortic Dissection diagnosed?

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. The diagnosis of aortic dissection involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging tests, and sometimes additional diagnostic procedures.

Clinical Evaluation:

The initial step in diagnosing aortic dissection involves a thorough clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. The doctor will take a detailed medical history, including any risk factors or symptoms that the patient may be experiencing. They will also perform a physical examination, paying close attention to the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and any abnormal sounds in the chest.

Imaging Tests:

Imaging tests play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis of aortic dissection. The most commonly used imaging techniques include:

Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray may be the first imaging test performed to evaluate the aorta and surrounding structures. While it may not directly visualize the dissection, it can provide important clues such as an abnormal aortic contour or signs of complications.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scan is the gold standard imaging modality for diagnosing aortic dissection. It provides detailed cross-sectional images of the aorta, allowing the doctor to visualize the tear and assess its extent. Contrast dye may be used to enhance the visibility of the blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the aorta. It is particularly useful in cases where CT scan results are inconclusive or when there is a concern about radiation exposure.

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): TEE involves inserting a specialized probe into the esophagus to obtain high-resolution ultrasound images of the heart and aorta. It can provide real-time visualization of the dissection and is often used when urgent diagnosis is required.

Additional Diagnostic Procedures:

In some cases, additional diagnostic procedures may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or assess the extent of the aortic dissection. These procedures may include:

Aortic Angiography: Aortic angiography involves injecting a contrast dye into the blood vessels and taking X-ray images to visualize the aorta and its branches. It is an invasive procedure and is typically reserved for cases where other imaging tests are inconclusive.

Blood Tests: Blood tests may be performed to assess the patient's overall health, including kidney function and markers of inflammation. These tests can help identify any underlying conditions that may have contributed to the development of aortic dissection.

Conclusion:

Diagnosing aortic dissection requires a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging tests. Prompt recognition and accurate diagnosis are essential for initiating appropriate treatment and preventing potentially life-threatening complications. If you suspect aortic dissection or experience symptoms such as severe chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

by Diseasemaps

With digital imaging always needed. CT, MRI are two options. Normal X-ray can not show AD.

3/29/17 by Timo Söderlund 6072

Eventually (after a lot of tests, with diagnosis missed) a ultra sound and a CT-scan, a aorta dissection A was very clear.

5/20/17 by Karin 400

EKG and Blood enzyme test will show that a heart attack isn't happening. XRAY and CT scan confirmed dissection.

7/12/17 by Errol 1650

Any sign of stabbing pain on your back. Call emergency or get yourself to the A/E asap Frequently used imaging procedures include: 1.Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This test uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart. ... 2.Computerized tomography (CT) scan. CT scanning generates X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body. ... 3.Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA).

7/19/17 by Rudesh 550

My Dissection was detected first by ultrasound and confirmed with CT scan Dan Burgess UK

9/11/17 by Dan 1998

Eco, Tomography or MRI. The symptoms are strong chest pain irradiaiting to the dorso, that could be confused wit myocardial infarct.

9/12/17 by Eduardo A V 100

Echocardiogram, Sonogram, MRI or CT imaging, occasionally it might show up on an xray , A very very Unstable and decreasing Blood pressure (spiraling downward) 120/80 is generally Normal/perfect above is the norm in older folks say it begins at 140/90 and is 60/30 within several minutes YOU know this person is Bleeding out of SOMEWHERE internally..... or during an open surgery... ..There are numerous caused to AD as well, so They cane be caused BY out of control BP , genetics , Peripheral Artery or Vascular disease (PAD OR PVD), Trauma Car accidents or Motorcycles falls from horseback or HIGH falls anytime you have velocity and come to an abrupt stop the heart is suspended from the Aorta and Vena Cava Which can tear as it pendulums forward. also STress and strains , even (Syphilis) . Marfan's Lowey dietz and so on...

9/22/17 by Jim 5641

Knowing your family history is vital The symptoms in my case were relatively mild and without knowledge of my father and uncles death I would not have been able to point the emergency doctors and cardiologists in the right direction and could have died. Big hospitals have the best chance of detecting CAD as they have cardiologists on hand.

9/23/17 by Christine 1400

Diagnosis is difficult....and often missed .education of professionals and first responders is vital

2/3/18 by Lindsay McKinney 2520

Ct scan can diagnose AD , cardio vascular team

2/4/18 by Julie 750

In mt case it was by making an MRI, but there is a test called D-tremor

2/10/18 by Marvinskan 1100

I was saved by town EMT's.... they diagnosed me via my blood pressure and my pain.

3/2/18 by Mark 600

By a CT or MR scanning.

6/3/18 by Jeppe 2300

Chest ct scan with contrast ,control BP . Cardiologist, cardiovascular surgeon

6/6/18 by Karhleenmc 800

In most cases a ct scan will diagnose an aortic dissection. However, in my case it was inconclusive and I had to swallow a camera for the medical team to confirm the diagnosis.

9/23/18 by Stefan 2500

Aortic dissection is difficult to diagnose as it is connective tissue disorder rather than an cardiac condition. As such many of the test for a heart attack or stroke don’t show up an aortic dissection. The best way is for a ct scan of the thoracic region to identify the dissection. Having an experienced team of medical professionals. A cardiac surgeon to repair heart valves and aortic arch. A vascular surgeon to monitor the aorta through ct scans and mri. If problem found the operate to repair reinforce the aorta. A cardiologist to monitor blood pressure and heart functions through echocardiogram and blood pressure tablets. A psychologist specialising in ptsd to aid emotional recovery. An exercise psychologist to prepare a physical rehabilitation program then to monitor and control your progress

11/7/18 by Sean 900

Cat scan or ultrasound

3/12/19 by Bengt 2500

Cat scans and physical exam

5/13/19 by Chris 1600

CT scan, MRI scan, echocardiogramme

7/20/19 by Sean 400

CAT SCAN ULTRASOUND GAMMA RAY SCAN MRI SCAN

7/29/19 by MCSzombie 6220

For me, it was diagnosed in the emergency room after a CAT scan and I went immediately to surgery. Four of my surgeries were done by vascular surgeons. The last, for the mitral valve, was done by a cardiologist. Follow up was frequent with both. First, CAT scans were done twice a year, then it went down to once a year. Of course, there were many EKG’s done. Had I not kept this up, we would have never found problems that resulted in further surgeries.

10/9/19 by Sandy 2500

There are three ways that can diagnose an aortic dissection: 1. for an echocardiogram 2. Through Computerized Tomography 3. By MRI The CT scan is the gold standard of the industry for diagnosing an aortic dissection.

1/20/20 by Kurt 900

EKG / CT, high professional skills needed.

5/26/20 by Arne 2300

I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their em ail at ultimatehealthhome@gmail.com . I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!

4/4/21 by Robert 9039

a CT scan is the best way to find where it is.

4/2/22 by Larry 2550

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