dissecting aneurysm

Last reviewed 01/2018

The term 'dissecting aneurysm' was first coined by Laennec in 1819. It is defined as a state in which there is a longitudinal splitting of the vessel wall with the plane of cleavage being filled with blood producing a false lumen or cavity.

This most commonly occurs in the thoracic aorta usually at the junction of the inner 2/3 and outer 1/3 of the media.