Atrial wall dissection: a contemporary overview for a proper decision-making approach

Despite its clinical relevance and potentially life-threatening sequelae, atrial wall dissection remains an under-recognized and poorly understood condition in clinical practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of atrial wall dissection focusing on the definition, etiopathogenesis, diagnostic work-up, and management of this uncommon entity. Regardless of the wide-ranging etiology, dissection sites, and clinical manifestations, physicians must be aware of such a rare finding to ensure a timely diagnosis and prompt identification of subjects with an unstable hemodynamic profile. This makes it possible to adopt the most appropriate decision-making strategy and therapeutic approach.