PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a possible sequelae of aortic dissection involving the heart?

1. Cardiac insufficiency

2. Cardiac tamponade

3. Cardiac arrhythmias

4. Cardiac hypertrophy

The correct answer is: Cardiac tamponade

Aortic dissection can lead to various complications, and one significant sequela is cardiac tamponade. In this condition, the dissection can cause blood to leak into the pericardial space, which is the area surrounding the heart. When blood accumulates in this space due to the dissection, it creates pressure around the heart that impedes its ability to fill properly during diastole. This pressure results in a decreased cardiac output and can lead to a life-threatening situation requiring immediate medical intervention. Cardiac tamponade manifests clinically as hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and distended neck veins, often referred to as Beck's triad. Detecting these signs is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. In the context of aortic dissection, identifying cardiac tamponade as a potential complication emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and intervention in affected patients.