Clinical case of the month. Chest pain, diaphoresis, and dyspnea in a hypertensive 53-year-old man.

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent diagnosis and treatment. The initial challenge for the physician lies in distinguishing aortic dissection from more common conditions such as myocardial infarction that also are characterized by chest pain. Subsequent management depends on imaging techniques that define whether just the descending aorta is affected or its more proximal portions as well. Mortality and morbidity are high, especially when the ascending aorta is involved.