What is a potential complication of aortic dissection type B?

In the context of aortic dissection type B, a significant potential complication is myocardial infarction. A type B dissection typically occurs in the descending aorta and may lead to ischemia in the heart due to compromised blood flow through the coronary arteries. The dissection can extend or affect blood supply distal to the aorta, leading to reduced perfusion and the potential for a heart attack, especially in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease.

The risk is particularly pronounced if the dissection compromises the aortic branches, including the coronary arteries. Although acute renal failure, hypotension, and stroke can also occur as complications of aortic dissection, they are more commonly associated with type A dissections or may present through different mechanisms rather than directly caused by the dissection itself in type B cases.

Understanding the implications of myocardial perfusion in the setting of aortic dissections underscores its classification, highlighting why monitoring cardiac function is crucial in the management of patients with type B dissections.