The Test of Time: Acute versus Chronic Aortic Dissections
Time brings all things to pass.
— Aeschylus
IntroductionAeschylus (c. 525/524 – c. 456/455 BC) was an ancient greek tragedian who was called the “father of tragedy”.
Perhaps, Dr. Michael DeBakey, the world-renown heart surgeon from Methodist Hospital in Houston, could be considered the modern father of aortic dissection.
Dr. DeBakey’s classification of aortic dissections is still used today to describe the different ways that aortic dissections manifest.
In the... Continue reading.
An Ulcer of a Different Sort: Penetrating Aortic Ulcers
Ulcers. Everyone has heard of them. You know, the kind of digestive problem which results from too much stomach acid and is relieved with antacids. The kind that causes stomach pain. You most likely have heard of the term “sour stomach”.
Well, guess, what? “Ulcer” is actually a more general medical term describing a discrete, localized erosion of a biologic surface. In the case of a gastric (stomach) ulcer, there is an... Continue reading.
Battle of the Bulge: Understanding Aortic Aneurysms
The Battle of the Bulge was a carefully orchestrated, surprise military offensive by the Germans in WWII to recapture the valuable harbor of Antwerp and this offensive caught Allied Forces off-guard. The “bulge” in the Battle of the Bulge refers to the inward bulge of the Allied Forces lines of defense in response to the attack. As we know, bulges can occur in many forms, and when associated with aortic aneurysms, bulges can... Continue reading.
New Free e-Book: Risk Factors for Developing Aortic Disease
I am pleased to announce the release of my new FREE medical report entitled “Risk Factors for Developing Aortic Disease”.
This new e-Book can be easily downloaded through the registration section on the homepage of BadAorta.com.
In this informative medical report, readers will learn what the most common causes are of aortic diseases such as aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections.
In addition, the two main categories of risk factors for developing a disease... Continue reading.
Medical Arc de Triomphe (or Why your Aortic Arch is Unique)
The Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile in Paris was completed in 1808, and stands as both an architectural monument as well as a source of French national pride.
Did you know that the human Aorta has its own “Arc de Triomphe”?
Yes, the Aorta is divided into several distinct anatomic segments including: aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta.
Each of these segments are predisposed to different types... Continue reading.