Aortic Dissection: Understanding the Risk Factors
Aortic dissection is a serious condition characterized by a tear in the artery, leading to the flow of blood between the layers of the vessel wall. This life-threatening complication is closely linked to the presence of an aortic aneurysm, as the risk of dissection increases with the size of the bulge in the artery. However, recent research has shed light on a unique scenario involving temporal arteritis patients, where the risk of dissection in the ascending thoracic aorta remains regardless of the aneurysm’s size. This particular section of the aorta, which is closer to the heart, poses a constant threat of dissection for individuals with temporal arteritis.
Blood Tests and ESR
Confirming a diagnosis of temporal arteritis involves several tests, including a patient’s erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). During an evaluation, doctors may suspect temporal arteritis based on symptoms. The ESR test measures how long it takes for blood cells to settle at the bottom of a test tube. Higher levels of inflammation in the body result in faster settling of the blood cells, supporting the initial diagnosis. In addition to the ESR test, a high-level C-reactive protein test is also conducted to confirm temporal arteritis. If the temporal arteries feel bumpy, doctors may perform a temporal artery biopsy. This procedure requires local anesthesia, a shallow incision, and the removal of a one-inch piece of the vessel.