ULTRASOUND & AORTIC DISSECTION

... ULTRASOUND & AORTIC DISSECTION INTRODUCTION The first reference to thoracic aortic dissection was described by Margagni in 1761 and much has been written on this subject from the well documented account of King George II dying on the commode, to the first successful operative repairs by DeBakey in 1955. The clinical manifestations of aortic dissection are diverse, making it difficult to diagnose. It requires a level of clinical suspicion in order to achieve an early diagnosis as classic findings are often absent. Today, there is a proliferation of modern non invasive imaging modalities currently available especially with regard to ultrasound. Such modalities contribute to the clinicians growing awareness of aortic syndromes and their ability to manage and treat this condition with the urgency it requires. 1 The definition of an aortic dissection is a separation of the layers within the aortic wall, allowing blood to enter the intima-media space, Osinuga (2004). An intimal tear

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