Abdominal Aortic Dissection C0837143
A tear in the wall of the main artery that carries blood from the heart through the abdomen. It most commonly affects middle-aged and older adults. This is a medical emergency usually requiring urgent surgical repair.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- I78.0
- ICD-11
- BA00.0
- Body system
- cardiovascular
- Severity
- critical
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Sudden Severe Abdominal Pain
Excruciating, tearing pain in the abdomen that often radiates to the back, typically onset is sudden and abrupt.
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, as this could indicate a life-threatening aortic emergency.
Hypotension
Low blood pressure that develops when the dissection compromises blood flow or causes internal bleeding.
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting along with severe pain, as this indicates possible shock.
Syncope
Sudden loss of consciousness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain, often indicating a severe or complicated dissection.
Call emergency services immediately if someone loses consciousness, as this requires immediate medical attention.
Radiating Back Pain
(cardiovascular)Intense pain that starts in the abdomen and spreads to the lower back or flank area, often described as ripping or tearing.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Hypertension
(cardiovascular)Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Nausea and Vomiting
(gastrointestinal)Feeling sick to the stomach and vomiting, caused by the pain and disruption of blood flow to abdominal organs.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Pulsatile Abdominal Mass
(cardiovascular)A throbbing mass felt in the abdomen that corresponds to the enlarged or dissected portion of the aorta.
Frequency: 30-40% of patients
Lower Extremity Weakness
(neurologic)Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in one or both legs due to reduced blood flow to the spinal cord or leg arteries.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Decreased Bowel Sounds
(gastrointestinal)Reduced or absent sounds in the abdomen indicating possible bowel ischemia from compromised blood supply.
Frequency: 10-20% of patients
Decreased Urine Output
(renal)Reduced urine production resulting from impaired blood flow to the kidneys due to the aortic dissection.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Disease management and monitoring
Requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Do not delay treatment.
Emergency Surgical Repair
Open surgical repair or endovascular stent-graft placement is the definitive treatment for abdominal aortic dissection. The procedure involves replacing the dissected portion of the aorta with a synthetic graft to restore normal blood flow and prevent further complications.
Blood Pressure Management
Aggressive blood pressure control using beta-blockers and vasodilators reduces aortic wall stress and prevents progression of the dissection. Target systolic pressure is typically maintained below 120 mmHg.
Additional treatment options
ICU Hemodynamic Monitoring
Continuous invasive monitoring in an intensive care setting allows for precise blood pressure control and early detection of complications. Frequent imaging studies assess the status of the dissection.
monitoringPain Management
Adequate pain control with IV analgesics reduces sympathetic stimulation that can worsen the dissection. Pain management is crucial for hemodynamic stability during acute management.
medicationLong-term Activity Modification
Lifetime activity restrictions including avoidance of heavy lifting and strenuous exercise reduce stress on the repaired aorta. Regular cardiovascular follow-up with imaging is essential.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abdominal Aortic Dissection C0837143?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Isselbacher EM, Preventza O, Hamilton Black J 3rd, et al. 2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2022;146(24):e334-e482.
Wanhainen A, Verzini F, Van Herzeele I, et al. Editor's Choice - European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2019 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 2019;57(1):8-93.
Erbel R, Aboyans V, Boileau C, et al. 2014 ESC Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of aortic diseases: Document covering acute and chronic aortic diseases of the thoracic and abdominal aorta of the adult. European Heart Journal. 2014;35(41):2873-2926.
Nienaber CA, Powell JT. Management of acute aortic syndromes. European Heart Journal. 2022;43(27):2672-2684.
Mussa FF, Horton JD, Moridzadeh R, et al. Acute Aortic Dissection and Intramural Hematoma: A Systematic Review. JAMA. 2016;316(7):754-763.
Investigators JS. Endovascular versus Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. New England Journal of Medicine. 2019;380(22):2126-2135.
Liang NL, Singh TT, Avgerinos ED, et al. Comparative Outcomes of Endovascular and Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Patients Under Age 50. Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2020;72(2):531-538.
Hiratzka LF, Bakris GL, Beckman JA, et al. 2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Thoracic Aortic Disease. Circulation. 2010;121(13):e266-369.
Tadros RO, Tang PC, Balkhy HH, et al. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Current Update on Pathophysiology and Treatment. Current Problems in Cardiology. 2023;48(1):101494.
Medication Comparisons
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View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy