An illustration of a heart affected by a thoracic aortic dissection. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear inside the vessel causes blood to flow in between the layers of the aortic wall, resulting in a false lumen which collects blood and weakens the aortic wall. When left untreated, the pressure within the aorta can cause the vessel to rupture and is a life-threatening condition. Although the exact cause is unknown, several factors contribute to the weakening and tearing of the inner aortic wall, including atherosclerosis, blunt chest trauma, high blood pressure, inflammation, or connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Oto, Evan |
Bildgröße: | 2550 px × 3300 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |