INCOMPLETE RUPTURE OF THE AORTA

Abstract

Dissecting aneurysm has been recognized at autopsy for many years, and more recently the clinical signs and symptoms of that condition have become sufficiently well established for the diagnosis to be made ante mortem in a fairly large number of cases. In most instances actual dissection is preceded by a tear of the intima, through which the column of blood gains access to the media to cause dissection. Not infrequently dissection does not occur immediately after the intimal tear, and the tear may heal by the formation of scar tissue, leaving a defect in the aortic wall. This early stage without dissection has not been recognized clinically, however, and has seldom been recognized as such at autopsy. Clinical recognition of incomplete rupture is important in that actual dissection may be prevented or postponed in some cases. Its manifestations are dramatic enough and the condition is common enough for the correct