What are other possible causes of chest pain?
There are many other causes for the type of chest pain associated with an aortic dissection. These include a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis). Problems with the esophagus and the spine also could cause pain in the same general area, although they tend to have different symptoms. Can an aortic dissection be stabilized? Dissections that begin away from the heart (Type B or distal dissection) often can be stabilized and may not require immediate surgery. However, a dissection that starts near the heart (Type A or proximal)—in the part of the aorta leading up to the neck—does not tend to stabilize. A dissection in this area is exposed to the full force with which the heart pumps blood on each beat, which extends the tear. Proximal dissections require immediate surgical intervention. Information gathered from the imaging technology can indicate the likelihood of stabilization. In addition, it is important to see if the aorta
