From the Guidelines
A dissecting aorta can indeed cause pain that radiates from the chest to the back, which is a characteristic symptom of this serious medical emergency. This pattern of pain is often described as severe, sharp, or stabbing in nature, and it typically begins suddenly, with the pain maximal at the start 1. The pain frequently starts in the chest, particularly in the front, and then radiates to the back between the shoulder blades, which can indicate the involvement of the descending aorta.
According to the most recent guidelines, the diagnosis of aortic dissection can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other common emergency department complaints, but a careful history of the presenting symptoms is essential for diagnosis 1. The location of pain can sometimes indicate which part of the aorta is affected, with pain radiating to the back often suggesting involvement of the descending aorta. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, fainting, stroke symptoms, or pulse differences between arms.
Key characteristics of the pain associated with aortic dissection include:
- Abrupt onset of severe pain
- Pain maximal at the start
- Radiation of pain from the chest to the back
- Sharp, stabbing, or tearing nature of the pain
- Possible involvement of the descending aorta if pain radiates to the back
It is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention if experiencing sudden, severe chest or back pain, as aortic dissection has a high mortality rate without prompt treatment 1. Treatment typically involves blood pressure control with medications like beta-blockers and may require emergency surgery depending on the location and extent of the dissection.
From the Research
Symptoms of Dissecting Aorta
- Dissecting aorta can cause severe pain that may radiate from the chest to the back 2
- The pain is often described as a tearing or ripping sensation in the chest that may move to the back between the shoulder blades
Pathophysiology of Dissecting Aorta
- Dissecting aorta occurs when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, causing blood to flow between the layers of the aorta 3, 4
- This can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, shortness of breath, and fainting
Clinical Presentation of Dissecting Aorta
- Patients with dissecting aorta may present with sudden onset of severe chest pain that radiates to the back 5, 2
- The pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting, and palpitations