**2. Acute aortic syndrome**

The term "acute aortic syndrome" (AAS) became widely accepted in the last decade. It involves not only aortic dissections, but intramural haematomas and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers in the same anatomical location. This constellation of presentations have similar emergency status, diagnostic and therapeutic requirements. As a definition, AAS is an acute pathophysiological process involving the tunica media of aortic wall, which results in rupture or any further life-threatening complications.
