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Aortic dissection represents the most frequent aortic catastrophe with approximately 10,000 cases annually in the United States. Dissection occurs with a primary tear of the intimal layer of the aorta and then subsequent infiltration into the media layer, creating a false lumen that may extend the entire length of the aorta.
Propagation of the false lumen may result in obstruction of vascular branches of the aorta, leading to end organ hypoperfusion of the brain, heart, kidneys, spine or extremities.
The location of injury (i.e., ascending versus descending aorta) predicts mortality and guides management decisions.

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