J Emerg Med
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With an increasing incidence, aortic dissection is the most common acute illness of the aorta. In the setting of chronic hypertension, with or without other risk factors for aortic dissection, this diagnosis should be considered a diagnostic possibility in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest or back pain. ⋯ Hence, timely recognition of this disease entity coupled with urgent and appropriate management is the key to a successful outcome in a majority of the patients. This article reviews acute thoracic aortic dissection, including ED diagnosis and management.