MV Artery Dissection Medical Cardiovascular 3D Model
Artery Dissection refers to a condition where there is a tear in the inner layer of an artery wall. This can lead to blood entering the wall of the artery, causing it to separate or dissect. There are several types of artery dissections, including:
- Cervical Artery Dissection: This involves tears in the carotid or vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain. It can lead to strokes, especially in younger individuals.
- Coronary Artery Dissection: Known as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), this occurs in the arteries supplying blood to the heart and can result in heart attacks.
- Aortic Dissection: This is a serious condition where there is a tear in the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart. It can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary based on the artery involved but may include:
- Sudden severe headache (especially in cervical dissections)
- Neck or facial pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Visual disturbances
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
Causes
Artery dissections can occur spontaneously or due to trauma, such as whiplash from a car accident. Other risk factors include connective tissue disorders, hypertension, and certain genetic conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Artery dissection refers to a tear in the inner layer of an artery, which can lead to serious complications, including reduced blood flow and potential stroke. Here are some key points about artery dissection:
- Types:
- Cervical Artery Dissection: Involves the carotid or vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain. It can cause strokes, especially in younger individuals.
- Coronary Artery Dissection: Known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), this occurs in the heart’s arteries and can lead to heart attacks.
- Aortic Dissection: Involves a tear in the aorta, the body’s main artery, which can be life-threatening.
- Causes:
- Trauma (e.g., car accidents, sports injuries)
- Genetic conditions (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
- High blood pressure
- Spontaneous occurrences without clear cause
- Symptoms:
- Sudden headache (often described as the worst headache ever)
- Neck pain
- Vision changes
- Dizziness or fainting
- Symptoms of stroke (e.g., weakness, speech difficulties)
- Diagnosis:
- Imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound are commonly used to identify dissections.
- Treatment:
- Management may include medications (e.g., blood thinners) and, in severe cases, surgical intervention.