Changing Pathology of the Thoracic Aorta From Acute to Chronic Dissection

We review current knowledge regarding the natural transition of aortic dissection from acute to chronic stages. As this is not well understood, we also bring to bear new data from our institution. Type A dissection rarely transitions naturally into the chronic state; consequently, information is limited. Type B dissections are routinely treated medically and indeed undergo substantial changes during their temporal course. General patterns...