Interdisciplinary German clinical practice guidelines on the management of type B aortic dissection
Alexander Oberhuber, Alexander Raddatz, Stefan Betge, C. Ploenes, W. Ito, Rolf Alexander Jánosi, Christian Ott, Eike Langheim, Martin Czerny, Ralf Puls, Alexander Maßmann, Karina A. Zeyer, Hubert Schelzig
Abstract
Aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening disease, in which an intimal tear causes bleeding inside the aortic wall. Depending on the localization of the entry tear, aortic dissections were divided into type A (involvement of the ascending aorta, independent of the entry tear but normally in the ascending aorta) and type B dissections (entry tear distal to the left subclavian artery). Type A aortic dissections should be managed as fast as possible with an open repair; the corresponding guidelines for performing open repair are published elsewhere. The uncomplicated type B aortic dissection is normally managed by conservative treatment. The goal of these renewed guidelines is to outline the pathophysiology, epidemiology and management of type B aortic dissections, including imaging, treatment, aftercare and rehabilitation.