Dissecting Aneurysm of the Aorta

Thirty-one consecutive patients with medically treated dissecting aneurysm of the aorta were divided into two groups based on the aortographic findings. Ten showed no opacification of the false channel; 21 did show opacification, indicating an open communication with the aortic lumen. The long-term survival rates of the two groups were 90% and 43%, respectively. Implications of these findings are discussed.