Explore the critical topic of aortic dissection in this 30-minute medical education video from The Heart Course Home Study Program. Delve into real-world teaching cases, including the high-profile incident of John Ritter, while examining key aspects such as asymmetric blood pressures, chest x-ray limitations, and CT scan alternatives. Investigate the pathophysiology, classification schemes, and associated complications like pericardial tamponade. Learn about historical cases, including King George II, and discuss the roles of radiation, psychiatry, and D-dimer in diagnosis. Compare dissection with aneurysm, explore special cases like that of Michael DeBakey, and gain insights into optimal treatment strategies for this life-threatening cardiac emergency.