Step 1: The decisive CT sign is a thin intimal flap dividing the aorta into two channels (a true and a false lumen), and on this study it sits exclusively in the descending thoracic aorta. That localizes it as a descending aortic dissection.
Step 2: Dissection arises when degeneration of the media lets blood track through an intimal tear, splitting the wall. The classic history is abrupt tearing pain felt between the shoulder blades, typically in a middle-aged man.
Step 3: Mapping to Stanford: sparing of the ascending aorta and arch makes this type B, which is usually treated medically (blood pressure control), in contrast to type A which requires emergency surgery.
Step 4: Ruling out options - an ascending dissection would place the flap proximally, a plain aneurysm dilates the lumen but lacks a dividing flap, and cystic fibrosis is a pulmonary airway disease unrelated to the aorta.
\[\boxed{\text{Descending aortic dissection}}\]