What is a potential complication of aortic dissection type B?

Aortic dissection type B involves a tear in the aorta that occurs distal to the left subclavian artery, potentially leading to various complications. Myocardial infarction is a significant concern in this context due to the possibility of compromised blood flow to the coronary arteries. If the dissection extends and affects branches supplying blood to the heart muscle, it can result in ischemia, leading to a myocardial infarction.

In addition, while other complications, such as acute renal failure and stroke, can occur through related mechanisms (like renal artery or carotid artery involvement, respectively), the direct risk of myocardial infarction remains a noteworthy consequence of aortic dissection type B due to the potential for coronary artery involvement. Hypotension can occur as a result of the dissection itself, but it is not as specific a complication as myocardial infarction, making it a less likely primary concern in this scenario. Understanding the hemodynamic changes and vascular implications of aortic dissection is crucial for recognizing why myocardial infarction is considered a potential complication.