Aortic intramural hematoma: an increasingly recognized and potentially fatal entity.

Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is related to but is pathologically distinct from aortic dissection. In this potentially lethal entity, there is hemorrhage into the aortic media in the absence of an intimal tear. Although intimal disruption is not present, the prognosis is similar to that of classic aortic dissection; therefore, early diagnosis is critical. In this review, symptoms and prognosis of aortic IMH are discussed, as well as current diagnostic techniques and therapy.