Cardiovascular Pathology · Pathology

A 55-year-old male with a history of hypertension presents with sudden, tearing chest pain radiating to the back. What is the primary pathological mechanism?

  1. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture in the aorta
  2. Cystic medial necrosis and intimal tear
  3. Vasculitis of the aortic vasa vasorum
  4. Transmural myocardial ischemic necrosis
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Correct answer: Cystic medial necrosis and intimal tear

Aortic dissection is most commonly associated with hypertension, which leads to cystic medial degeneration. This weakening allows blood to enter through an intimal tear and create a false lumen within the media.

Difficulty: Medium Question 5 of 20

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