MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Rupture of the ascending aortic dissection into the pericardium can cause a rapid pericardial effusion resulting in cardiac tamponade which is frequently fatal. Acute aortic regurgitation can cause acute heart failure, pulmonary edema and even cardiogenic shock if severe.

Detailed explanation-2: -If controlling blood pressure doesn’t reduce the pain from a dissection, doctors may prescribe pain medication, such as acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Taking aspirin, which can cause bleeding, can be fatal in someone with an aortic dissection and is never advised.

Detailed explanation-3: -It is assumed that rapid accumulation of blood in the pericardial space due to a leak or a rupture from dissected adventitia may result in mechanical compression of the heart and hypotension causing subendocardial ischemia leading to acute ST depression or T wave changes before causing pericardial inflammation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Aortic dissection (AD) has been viewed as a contraindication to the use of anticoagulants, due to the high risk of bleeding in the event of aortic rupture or an urgent/emergent need for surgery.