What describes the condition of aortic dissection?

Aortic dissection is characterized by the separation of the layers of the aorta due to an intimal tear. This condition occurs when a tear forms in the inner layer of the aortic wall, allowing blood to flow between the layers of the aorta, which leads to the separation of these layers. This can result in a range of serious complications, including reduced blood flow to vital organs and potentially fatal outcomes if not addressed promptly.

The other options do not accurately describe aortic dissection. Fluid accumulation in the aorta is not relevant to dissection; rather, dissection involves the splitting of the aortic wall. A complete rupture of the aorta describes a later stage of aortic pathology that may occur as a result of prolonged dissection, but it is not synonymous with dissection itself. Ongoing stenosis, or narrowing, of the aorta refers to a different condition that involves the constriction of blood flow but does not involve the pathological developments associated with dissection.