Aortic dissection presenting with respiratory failure: case report and literature

Submitted: 10 May 2024
Accepted: 31 July 2024
Published: 2 September 2024
Abstract Views: 241
PDF: 114
Supplementary Materials: 40
VIDEO: 53
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Due to its nonspecific symptoms, in several cases, Acute Aortic Dissection (AAD) is a difficult-to-diagnose urgent condition. The torn intimal layer initiates a false lumen, which can potentially propagate and cause life-threatening ruptures or organ ischemia. Intramural hematoma can rarely develop inside the false lumen, resulting in compression of surrounding structures and worsening the patient’s prognosis. We report a case of AAD - Stanford Type A complicated by an intramural hematoma compressing the pulmonary artery, accompanied by a discussion of relevant literature. This patient presented to the emergency department with acute respiratory distress; clinical and initial diagnostic findings mimicked pulmonary embolism. However, a systematic differential evaluation supported by point-of-care ultrasound allowed a prompt diagnosis of AAD and avoided fixation errors.

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How to Cite

Gherardi, S., Ippolito, R., Pasqualin, S., Cianci, V., & Paganini, M. (2024). Aortic dissection presenting with respiratory failure: case report and literature. Emergency Care Journal, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2024.12633