CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What constitutes an aortic dissection?

1. A complete rupture of the aorta

2. A tear in the aorta's wall

3. A blockage in the aorta

4. A dilation of the aorta

The correct answer is: A tear in the aorta's wall

An aortic dissection is characterized by a tear in the layers of the aorta's wall, which allows blood to flow between the layers and create a false lumen. This condition can lead to serious complications, including rupture of the aorta, decreased blood flow to vital organs, and even death. It is critical to understand that while a complete rupture of the aorta, blockage, or dilation may involve the aorta, they are separate conditions with different implications and pathophysiology. In the case of an aortic dissection, the critical aspect is the presence of a tear, which can initiate a cascade of events leading to life-threatening outcomes. This differentiates it from other aortic conditions, making the identification and understanding of aortic dissection crucial in the field of radiography and emergency medicine.