Acute aortic dissection is a life threatening disorder, characterized by a flow channel (false lumen) within the aortic wall, which is separated from the true lumen by a dissection flap. Which of the following statements regarding aortic dissection is false?


(a) a dissection flap consitst of intima and approximately two thirds of media.

(b) a Stanford type-B aortic dissection typically involves the descending thoracic aorta, but it may also involve the aortic arch.

(c) a Stanford type-A aortic dissection can be caused by a primary intimal tear located in the descending aorta (with the dissection extending retrogradely into the ascending aorta). 

(d) The true versus the false lumen in aortic dissection can be reliably distingushed based on resepctive lumen size and opacification. 

(e) side branch ischemia in aortic dissection can affect branch arteries arising off the true or false lumen. 


CORRECT ANSWER: (d)