Aortic rupture

Aortic rupture is the rupture or breakage of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. Aortic rupture is a rare, extremely dangerous condition. The most common cause is an abdominal aortic aneurysm that has ruptured spontaneously. Aortic rupture is distinct from aortic dissection, which is a tear through the inner wall of the aorta that can block the flow of blood through the aorta to the heart or abdominal organs.

Not to be confused with Aortic aneurysm, Abdominal aortic aneurysm, Aortic dissection, Aortoenteric fistula, Aortic stenosis, Coarctation of the aorta, or Aortic insufficiency.
Aortic rupture
Aorta segments, with thoracic aorta in area marked in green.
SpecialtyVascular surgery, cardiology, emergency medicine
SymptomsAbdominal pain, flank pain, or back pain
ComplicationsShock, anemia
Usual onsetAcute
CausesRuptured aortic aneurysm, trauma
TreatmentSurgical repair
PrognosisPoor
DeathsUp to 90% of cases

An aortic rupture can be classified according to its cause into one of the following main types:

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