Posted in Web Acute Aortic Dissection: Overview, Pathophysiology & Risk … January 26, 2021 Aortic dissection is the most common catastrophe of the aorta, 2-3 times more common than rupture of the abdominal aorta. When left untreated, about 33% of patients die within the first 24 hours, and 50% die within 48 hours. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756835-overview