Acute Aortic Syndrome

Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a general term for medical conditions that affect the thoracic and abdominal aorta, which is the largest artery that carries blood from the heart to body. These conditions include:

Aortic dissection: Tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall that causes blood to leak through and cause a bulge which weakens the affected area of the aorta.
Ulcer: Eroding of the aorta wall caused by plaque formation due to atherosclerosis.
Aortic intramural hematoma: Caused by blood leaking between the layers of the aorta.

AAS is a medical emergency so call 911 if you experience the symptoms listed below.

Symptoms

AAS symptoms include:

Sudden, severe chest pain
Back pain
Pain in the abdomen
Weak or no pulse in the legs and feet

Tests

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Chest X-ray

Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, measures the heart’s electrical activity.

Treatments

The medical intervention required for acute aortic syndrome depends on the location of the condition in the aorta. Acute aortic syndrome in the ascending aorta, which is closest to the heart, is a true medical emergency requiring immediate surgery. Surgeons can repair the problem by removing the damaged area of the aorta and replacing it with a synthetic graft. Hypertension (high blood pressure) drugs can be used to treat AAS in the lower descending aorta.