Diagnosis

Detecting an aortic dissection can be a challenge because the symptoms are similar to those of many other health problems. Your doctor may think you have an aortic dissection if you have:

• Sudden tearing or ripping chest pain
• Blood pressure difference between the right and left arms
• Widening of the aorta on chest X-ray

Tests to diagnose aortic dissection include:

• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). This test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart in motion. A TEE is a special type of echocardiogram in which an ultrasound probe (transducer) is guided through your esophagus and placed close to your heart. This test gives your doctor a clearer picture of your heart and aorta than would a regular echocardiogram.
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest. X-ray are used to produce cross-sectional images of the body. A CT of the chest can confirm a diagnosis of aortic dissection.
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). An MRA uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy to create images of your blood vessels.