Abstract

Acute type A aortic dissection (TAAAD) is a critical condition in patients presenting with chest pain, but it seems relatively rarer than acute coronary syndrome. The incidence of TAAAD is estimated at 2.0-4.04 per 100,000/year; about 22% of patients with TAAAD die before being sent to a hospital. The mortality is high but is different based on the location of the dissection. Many classifications systems, e.g., the DeBakey, Stanford, Lansman, and European Working Group, have been developed to classify the types of TAAAD. First, we define TAAAD and its two variants, intramural hemorrhage (IMH) and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). Second, we introduce the classification systems of TAAAD. Third, we show the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of TAAAD and its variants. Fourth, we discuss the gender, age, and ethnic differences in the presentations of TAAAD. In the last part of the chapter, we talk about the incidence and mortality of TAAAD comorbid with some specific conditions, diseases, and disorders, viz., aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, pregnancy, trauma, substance abuse, Marfan, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, vascular type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, and coarctation of the aorta.