Arterial dissection, in vascular ultrasound, refers to a critical condition where a tear occurs in the inner lining of an artery, allowing blood to flow between the layers of the arterial wall. This creates a false lumen, compressing the true lumen and potentially impeding blood flow to vital organs. Early detection via ultrasound is crucial for patient management and preventing severe complications such as organ ischemia or rupture.
Vascular ultrasound plays a key role in diagnosing arterial dissection by visualizing the intimal flap, false lumen, and assessing blood flow dynamics within both lumens using Doppler techniques. This non-invasive imaging method helps confirm the diagnosis, determine the extent of the dissection, and monitor its progression, guiding timely medical or surgical intervention to improve patient outcomes.