Acute aortic dissection.

Acute aortic dissection is a relatively common pathology, which is related to the high incidence of arterial hypertension observed in some population subgroups. It is accompanied by a high mortality rate if not treated immediately. Early diagnosis is relatively simple but depends on a high index of suspicion. Its etiopathogenesis is related to cystic medial necrosis. In the majority of cases, the aortic wall is abnormal along its entire length. Surgery is indicated in virtually all type A dissections, with involvement of the ascending aorta, and in many type B dissections, characterized by isolated involvement of the descending aorta. In the majority of the latter, however, medical therapy appears to lead to better results than surgery, but in recent times, treatment has been revolutionized by the use of stents. Surgery is rarely curative. Hence, long-term follow-up (probably for life) is essential. This includes strict control of arterial hypertension and monitoring of the untreated aortic segments, and especially any residual patent false lumen, which is observed in the majority of cases, in order to prevent rupture and to minimize the consequences of the formation of false aneurysms.