<unk>  or FAD refers to the splitting of the wall of the aorta in either the arch, ascending or descending portions. FAD is thought to be passed down as an autosomal dominant disease and once inherited will result in<unk>  of the aorta, and<unk> g aneurysm of the aorta, or rarely aortic or arterial dilation at a young age.<unk>  refers to the actual tearing open of the aorta. However, the exact gene(s) involved has not yet been identified. It can occur in the absence of clinical features of Marfan syndrome and of systemic hypertension. Over time this weakness, along with systolic pressure, results in a tear in the aortic intima layer thus allowing blood to enter between the layers of tissue and cause further tearing. Eventually complete rupture of the aorta occurs and the pleural cavity fills with blood. Warning signs include chest pain, ischemia, and hemorrhaging in the chest cavity. This condition, unless found and treated early, usually results in death. Immediate surgery is the best treatment in most cases. FAD is not to be confused with PAU (penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers) and IMH (intramural hematoma), both of which present in ways similar to that of<unk> .
Familial aortic dissection
Familial thoracic aortic aneurysm
Familial atrial fibrillation
Takayasu's arteritis
Arterial tortuosity syndrome
Inflammatory aortic aneurysm
Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis
Coronary artery aneurysm