Acute Aortic Syndromes

physician to King George II, first described on necropsy an acute aortic dissection. Over the course of more than 200 years, we have developed a growing awareness and understanding of acute and chronic aortic syndromes. Recent advances in imaging and therapeutic techniques have further emphasized the importance of early diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes, which continues to be crucial to survival. However, we continue to be uncomfortable in the diagnosis and management of this highly lethal disorder. In the present report, we review the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, outcomes, and therapeutic approaches to acute aortic syndromes. In each section, we summarize the most clinically relevant issues as "take home points" (THPs) to affirm their importance in the diagnosis and management of this disorder.