Objective To explore the expressions of Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) in type A aortic dissection (AD) tissue and to discuss the relevance. Methods Twenty surgical AD specimens were used in this study, and 10 normal control specimens were obtained from autopsy. Immuno-histochemical staining and Western blotting analysis were performed to evaluate the locations and expressions of Beclin1 and LC3 proteins. Results It was found that Beclin1 and LC3 proteins were mainly located in the vascular smooth muscle cells of the AD tissues, and the expressions in the AD tissues were signicantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Autophagy is activated in the vascular smooth muscle cells of AD tissues, which may play an important role in the development and progression of thoracic aortic dissection.