Home › Aortic And Peripheral Vascular Disease Scores › Penn Classification (Aortic Dissection Outcome) Calculator

Penn Classification (Aortic Dissection Outcome) Calculator

  • Hemodynamic Status
  • Organ Ischemia
  • Penn Classification (Aortic Dissection Outcome): Explanation and Clinical Context
    The Penn Classification is a prognostic tool for patients with Type A aortic dissection, focusing on the presence of organ malperfusion and circulatory collapse. It stratifies patients into four categories:
    - Penn Aa: No evidence of ischemia; patient hemodynamically stable.
    - Penn Ab: Localized organ ischemia; hemodynamically stable.
    - Penn Ac: Circulatory collapse or shock without localized ischemia.
    - Penn Abc: Both localized ischemia and circulatory collapse.
    The classification allows clinicians to estimate in-hospital mortality risk, guide surgical urgency, and predict clinical outcomes.

    Estimated mortality rates based on original publications: Penn Aa ~5–10%, Penn Ab ~15–25%, Penn Ac ~30–50%, Penn Abc >50%.

    Reference:
    Svensson LG, et al. Prognostic value of Penn classification in acute type A aortic dissection. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2002;124:1113-1119. doi:10.1067/mtc.2002.127116