Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a modern term to describe interrelated emergency aortic conditions with similar clinical characteristics and challenges. AAS include aortic dissection, aortic intramural hematoma and penetrating ulcer of the aorta. The purpose of this article is to review the relevant variants of AAS presentations and diagnosis through three case reports.
AAS refers to a heterogeneous group of conditions that cause a common set of signs and symptoms. Management in emergency department is almost similar and mainly based on medical treatment (control of blood pressure and analgesia). Prognosis is clearly related to undelayed diagnosis, medical management and appropriate surgical repair in the case of proximal involvement of the aorta. Aection of distal segments with presence of malperfusion or imminent rupture may require individualized therapeutic approaches such as endovascular prosthesis.
Key words: Acute aortic syndrome; intramural hematoma; penetrating aortic ulcer; aortic dissection; emergency.