Understanding Acute Aortic Occlusion (AAO)

Acute aortic occlusion (AAO) is a rare but serious condition characterized by sudden obstruction of blood flow in the aorta, often due to thrombosis or embolism. This can result in significant ischemia of downstream organs, with a reported 30-day mortality rate of approximately 19.9%. The disease predominantly affects older adults with cardiovascular comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, and has various underlying causes including atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and embolisms from conditions like atrial fibrillation. Given its rarity and high potential for poor outcomes, understanding AAO is crucial for emergency care providers who may encounter this condition in practice.