A Stanford type A dissecting aneurysm primarily affects which part of the aorta?

A Stanford type A dissecting aneurysm primarily affects the ascending aorta. This type involves a dissection that originates in the ascending aorta and may extend towards the aortic arch and beyond. The classification of aortic dissections into Stanford type A and type B is based on the location of the tear in the aorta. In type A dissections, the critical involvement of the ascending aorta poses a higher risk of complications such as cardiac tamponade and aortic rupture, making it a more acute and life-threatening condition. In contrast, Stanford type B dissections generally originate in the descending aorta, affecting areas beyond the arch. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for both diagnosis and management of aortic pathologies.