Dissecting aneurysms occur when blood pumped from the heart creates a tear between the tissue layers of the aorta. Blood is then pumped between the layers of the arterial wall as well as through the normal artery channel. This tear usually occurs in the aorta a short distance from the heart. The aorta often is not excessively dilated before the dissection occurs. Risk factors include high blood pressure, particularly high diastolic blood pressure.
Dissection can also occur from trauma such as motor vehicle accidents.
Symptoms Include severe sudden tearing pain in the back between the shoulder blades, chest pain or flank pain. Treatment A dissecting aneurysm is a medical emergency requiring surgery if a patient's health permits. Top Brain Aneurysms Aneurysms aren't always dangerous, but if one bursts in the brain, a stroke results. They're often caused or aggravated by high blood pressure but may occur in young otherwise healthy people. Rupture in this area is often very serious because the blood pressure is higher in this area than in smaller arteries that have already entered the brain tissue.