Clinical case: acute aortic dissection

Abstract

Introduction: Acute aortic dissection is the most common life-threatening disorder affecting the aorta. The immediate mortality rate in aortic dissection is as high as 1% per hour over the first several hours, making early diagnosis and treatment critical for survival. The most important predisposing factor for acute aortic dissection is systemic hypertension. The prevalence and incidence of thoracic aorticdisease is increasing, as are the number of operations for thoracic aortic disease. However, a timely diagnosis can be elusive in the event of an atypical presentation.Conclusion: We report an unusual mode of presentation of a rare and often fatal condition. This case illustrates the importance of considering aortic dissection as one of the differentials in mind when a patient with signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction. It also emphasizes that non-invasive diagnostic methods such as CT and echocardiography should be performed promptly to rule out aortic dissection, which is a very severe life threatening condition.