Which type of aortic dissection involves the ascending aorta and can propagate into the aortic arch?

A Type A aortic dissection is characterized by the involvement of the ascending aorta and may extend into the aortic arch. It is the most clinically significant type of dissection due to its potential to compromise blood flow to vital organs and increase the risk of catastrophic complications, such as cardiac tamponade or aortic rupture. Immediate surgical intervention is often required for Type A dissections to address the potentially life-threatening nature of the condition.

In contrast, Type B dissections begin distal to the left subclavian artery and typically do not involve the ascending aorta, which makes them generally managed conservatively unless complications arise. Types C and D are not standard categorizations in the commonly used Stanford classification, which simplifies the dissection types to Type A and Type B. Thus, identifying the correct type of dissection is crucial for determining the appropriate management and intervention strategies.