Aortic dissection: a medical perspective.

Over the past 3 years, a greater understanding of predisposing factors and the pathology of the aortic wall has yielded more insights into the pathogenesis, as well as into more accurate diagnostic and preventive methods. This update will discuss: (1) the incidence, definition, and recent classification of aortic dissection; (2) epidemiology, medical, and recent surgical series; (3) the pathogenesis and risk factors; (4) clinical features and evolving noninvasive imaging approaches to diagnosis; and (5) management from a medical perspective.