Type A dissection involving ascending AND descending aorta is classified as which DeBakey type?

Type A dissection involving ascending AND descending aorta is classified as which DeBakey type?

• A. Type I DeBakey
• B. Type II DeBakey
• C. Type III DeBakey
• D. Type A

Answer: (A)

DeBakey classifications describe where the dissection starts and how far it propagates. If the tear begins in the ascending aorta and then extends into the descending aorta (including the arch), that pattern is DeBakey Type I. Type II is limited to the ascending aorta, and Type III starts in the descending aorta and extends distally (not involving the ascending aorta). The label Type A refers to the Stanford system, which is about involvement of the ascending aorta, but the question asks for DeBakey type, so the correct designation is Type I DeBakey.

DeBakey classifications describe where the dissection starts and how far it propagates. If the tear begins in the ascending aorta and then extends into the descending aorta (including the arch), that pattern is DeBakey Type I. Type II is limited to the ascending aorta, and Type III starts in the descending aorta and extends distally (not involving the ascending aorta). The label Type A refers to the Stanford system, which is about involvement of the ascending aorta, but the question asks for DeBakey type, so the correct designation is Type I DeBakey.