An aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition where the inner layer of the aorta, the body’s main artery, tears. Blood then surges through this tear, separating the inner and middle layers of the aorta. When this occurs in the abdominal aorta, it can cause severe pain and compromise blood flow to vital organs.
In abdominal ultrasound, an aortic dissection may appear as an intimal flap separating the true and false lumens of the aorta, or as a dilated aortic diameter. Early detection via medical imaging is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes, making ultrasound a valuable diagnostic tool in emergency settings.
