Final answer:
Connective tissue disorders are the primary cause of aortic dissection in patients under 40, as these conditions weaken the aortic wall. While hypertension, trauma, and cocaine abuse could also be factors, connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are significant at a younger age. Surgical treatment might be required to manage the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connective tissue disorders are most responsible for Aortic dissection in patients under 40 years of age. These disorders can make the aorta's wall weak and prone to tearing. For instance, Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are known to have an increased risk for this condition. Other factors such as hypertension, trauma, and cocaine abuse can also contribute to the development of an aortic dissection, but connective tissue disorders stand out, particularly in the younger population. These conditions may also be associated with other cardiovascular complications, such as underlying atherosclerosis, which significantly increases the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. It is important to manage the risk factors associated with aortic dissection. In some cases, surgical intervention to repair or reinforce the affected arteries might be necessary. Connective tissue disorders are also associated with other structural peculiarities, such as a spontaneous pneumothorax, where a lung can collapse due to subtle abnormalities in the connective tissue.