Aortic Intramural Hematoma and Penetrating Aortic Ulcer

Acute aortic syndrome includes aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating aortic ulcer. There is overlap in the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of these potentially life-threatening diseases. Early recognition, when feasible, and treatment relies on an understanding of the disease progression. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography are critical modalities for the imaging of the disease process. Tailoring of therapy may require medical management, open surgical repair, endovascular repair, or a combination of these therapeutic interventions.