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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Aortic dissection and elevated D-dimers--an important clinical link
Abstract:
A 73-year-old woman with previous coronary artery bypass grafting presented with acute pleuritic type chest pain, decreased oxygen saturations and markedly elevated D-dimers. Acute pulmonary embolism was suspected and because of hypotension an emergency transthoracic echocardiogram was performed to assess pulmonary hypertension. This revealed an acute type A aortic dissection. This case highlights the importance of transthoracic echocardiography as a simple noninvasive tool in the evaluation of chest pain. It also highlights more importantly the relationship of acute aortic dissection and elevated D-dimers which is of tremendous significance to the practising clinician when it comes to patient care and safety.
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