Role of entry tear size in type B aortic dissection.

The long-term evolution of type B aortic dissection (AD) is associated with relatively high mortality and/or need for surgery, approaching 50% in 5 years (1). Some clinical predictive factors such as age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, systemic hypertension and Marfan syndrome have been associated with a high risk of complications. However, information obtained by imaging techniques has provided significant prognostic value. In addition to maximum aortic diameter, false lumen diameter (>22 mm) at the upper descending thoracic aorta level (2) or partial false lumen thrombosis have been associated with a higher risk of mortality and aortic dilatation (3).