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Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Development and Characterization of a Mouse Model for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 2, 2024
[Acute aortic syndrome. Review and update of the literature]
Insights
Acute aortic syndrome (AAS), encompassing aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers, presents with similar symptoms. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment are crucial for managing these serious aortic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Context:
- Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) encompasses a spectrum of life-threatening aortic conditions.
- Includes aortic dissection (AD), intramural hematoma (IH), and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU).
- Characterized by overlapping clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges.
Purpose:
- To outline the key features, diagnosis, and management of AAS.
- To emphasize the importance of clinical suspicion and advanced imaging.
- To discuss treatment strategies based on aortic segment involvement and complications.
Summary:
- AAS affects approximately three per 100,000 individuals annually.
- Pathogenesis involves diverse genetic and acquired risk factors.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on high clinical suspicion and imaging studies.
- Prognosis is linked to the specific diagnosis and timely intervention.
- Proximal AAS often requires surgical repair; distal AAS may need medical or endovascular therapy.
- Lifelong follow-up is essential post-discharge.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical need for prompt recognition and management of AAS.
- Informs clinical decision-making for proximal and distal aortic emergencies.
- Underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care and long-term patient monitoring.
Abstract:
Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a term that describes interrelated aortic emergencies with similar clinical characteristics and challenges. These are aortic dissection (AD), intramural hematoma (IH), and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). The incidence of AAS is three cases per 100.000 persons per year. Diverse genetic disorders and acquired conditions have been related to the pathogenesis of this disease. Clinical features of patients with any of the three conditions comprising AAS are very similar. A high degree of clinical suspicion and imaging studies are necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Prognosis is clearly related to underlying diagnosis and appropriate surgical repair, in the case of proximal involvement of the aorta. Involvement of distal segments of the aorta may require medical or endovascular therapy according to the presence of complications. After hospital discharge, patients require lifelong follow-up.
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