Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Acute ascending aortic dissection diagnosed with transthoracic echocardiography
J Matthew Brunson1, Robert L Fine, Jeffrey M Schussler
1Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
A 79-year-old man with a known ascending aortic aneurysm presented to his physician's office with an episode of severe "tearing" type chest pain after lifting several boxes. Physical examination was notable for low blood pressure and a new diastolic murmur. The patient was transferred to intensive care, and a transthoracic echocardiogram was performed. This demonstrated a dissection flap clearly seen superior to the sinuses of Valsalva and severe aortic insufficiency. Computed tomography or transesophageal echocardiography is typically the initial test of choice, but transthoracic echocardiography can rapidly confirm the diagnosis of acute ascending aortic dissection.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
