Aneurysm: Classification

According to DeBakey, thoracic aortic aneurysm can be classified as follows.

DeBakey Description
DeBakey I Intimal (inner vessel wall) tear in the ascending aorta; ; spread distally to include the aortic arch or even the descending aorta
DeBakey II Intimal tear in the region of the ascending aorta; end of tear also in the region of the aorta asendens
DeBakey III Intimal tear in the descending aorta (descending aorta); spread usually distally:

  • Type IIIa: confined to the descending thoracic aorta.
  • Type IIIb: Extends to below the diaphragm.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm can also be classified according to Stanford

Stanford Description
Stanford A (80%) Aortic dissection (splitting of the wall layers of the aorta) in the area of the ascending aorta (DeBakey I + II)
Stanford B (20%) Descending aortic dissection (DeBakely III).