What is an aortic dissection?

An aortic dissection refers to a tear in the arterial wall of the aorta. This condition occurs when blood enters the wall of the aorta between its layers, creating a false lumen and potentially leading to serious complications. The tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the aorta, which can cause the layers to separate. This can compromise blood flow to vital organs and lead to conditions such as aortic rupture or organ ischemia, making timely diagnosis and treatment critical.

The other options describe different cardiovascular issues. An increase in artery size pertains to aneurysms, which are localized dilations of the arterial wall. A blockage in the aorta often suggests conditions like aorta occlusion or stenosis, which involve obstructions preventing normal blood flow. A narrowing of the aorta can refer to conditions like coarctation, but it does not represent the mechanism of aortic dissection. Thus, recognizing that aortic dissection specifically involves a tear in the arterial wall is essential for understanding its implications and the urgency required in management.