Dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta or arch

Aortic dissection (AD) occurs when an injury to the innermost layer of the aorta allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, forcing the layers apart. In most cases, this is associated with a sudden onset of severe chest or back pain, often described as "tearing" in character. [Source: Wikipedia ]

May Be Caused by

 Common

Coarctation of aorta

Cystic medial necrosis

Hypertension

Marfan syndrome

 Uncommon

Aortic stenosis

Aortitis

Bacterial endocarditis

Bicuspid aortic valve

Cogan syndrome

Connective tissue disease

Cutix laxa

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Iatrogenic injury

Infection

Intramural injection of contrast medium

Mycotic aneurysm

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Pregnancy

Prosthetic aortic valve replacement

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Syphilis

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Trauma

Turner syndrome