Which DeBakey type describes a dissection that involves both the ascending and descending aorta?

Which DeBakey type describes a dissection that involves both the ascending and descending aorta?

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

Answer: (B)

DeBakey classification analyzes where an aortic dissection starts and how far it propagates along the aorta. When a dissection begins in the ascending aorta and then extends into the arch and down into the descending aorta, it involves both the ascending and descending segments. This pattern is DeBakey Type I: origin in the ascending aorta with propagation downstream. If the dissection is limited to the ascending aorta, that’s Type II. If it starts in the descending aorta and extends distally, that’s Type III. The designation Type B is another name sometimes used for the descending-origin pattern (Type III) and does not involve the ascending aorta.

DeBakey classification analyzes where an aortic dissection starts and how far it propagates along the aorta. When a dissection begins in the ascending aorta and then extends into the arch and down into the descending aorta, it involves both the ascending and descending segments. This pattern is DeBakey Type I: origin in the ascending aorta with propagation downstream.

If the dissection is limited to the ascending aorta, that’s Type II. If it starts in the descending aorta and extends distally, that’s Type III. The designation Type B is another name sometimes used for the descending-origin pattern (Type III) and does not involve the ascending aorta.