American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which type of aortic dissection involves the ascending aorta or aortic arch?

1. Type B

2. Type A

3. Type C

4. Type D

The correct answer is: Type A

The correct response is that Type A aortic dissection specifically involves the ascending aorta and can also extend to the aortic arch. This classification is crucial because it directly influences the management and surgical approach to the condition. Type A dissection presents a higher risk of complications, including aortic rupture, cardiac tamponade, and decreased blood flow to vital organs, necessitating prompt surgical intervention. In contrast, Type B dissection, which does not involve the ascending aorta, is typically managed medically unless there are complications, making the distinction important for determining treatment strategies. Understanding these classifications helps in assessing urgency and allows for appropriate therapeutic decisions. Other types mentioned either do not exist in the standard classification or do not pertain to the ascending aorta, reinforcing that Type A is uniquely associated with that anatomical region.