Hi @anniejam and @crhp194,

Aortic dissection occurs in a weakened area of the aortic wall or when a tear develops in the inner layer of the wall of the aorta. This causes one or more of the layers of the wall of the aorta to separate, which weakens the wall of the aorta.
Having an aortic aneurysm increases your risk of developing an aortic dissection. Here is some more information from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-dissection/symptoms-causes/syc-20369496