Aortic Dissection ---- A dissecting aortic aneurysm (aortic dissection) occurs when a tear in the intima allows blood to enter the media, creating a false lumen that can propagate along the aortic wall. --- Pathophysiology Initiated by intimal tear → blood dissects into media → separation of layers. The false lumen may re-enter the true lumen or rupture externally (fatal). Weakening of media due to hypertension, cystic medial degeneration, or connective tissue disease (e.g., Marfan, Ehlers–Danlo

🔴 AORTIC DISSECTION – TTE CLUES 🔴 🩺 Direct Signs: 🧵 Intimal flap in ascending aorta 🔀 True and false lumen 📏 Dilated aortic root / ascending aorta 💥 Indirect Signs: ❤️ Acute severe aortic regurgitation (flail cusp or root dilation) 🫀 Pericardial effusion ± tamponade 📉 LV dysfunction due to acute volume overload 📈 CW / Color Doppler: 🌊 Eccentric AR jet (often severe) 🔁 Flow in both lumens ⚡ High-velocity jet across intimal tear (occasionally seen) 📌 TTE is rapid and bedside—excellent