dissecting aneurysm

The dissecting aneurysm - An aneurysm (ballooning of an artery) that usually affects the first part of the aorta.

It is caused by a tear in the inner layer of the arterial wall, which results in the inner layer peeling away from the outer layer. This results in blood collecting in the space between the inner and outer layers.

A dissecting aneurysm may rupture or may compress the blood vessels leaving the aorta, producing infarction (localized tissue death due to lack of blood supply) in the organs supplied by them.

The patient will suffer from severe chest pain that often spreads to the back or the abdomen. Surgical repair may help relieve the symptoms.