Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
06:26
Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Painless, acute aortic dissection presenting as an acute stroke
Ahmet Baydin1, Cemil Nargis, M Selim Nural
1Ondokuz Mayis University, Emergency Medicine, 55139 Samsun, Turkey. abaydin@omu.edu.tr
The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, New York
|February 8, 2007
Summary
Acute aortic dissection, a rare condition with high mortality, can present atypically. This case highlights a painless aortic dissection mimicking acute stroke symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate.
- Typical presentation involves severe, sudden chest or back pain, often described as tearing.
- Atypical presentations, including painless cases, are infrequently reported.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms consistent with acute stroke.
- Diagnostic workup revealed an acute aortic dissection.
- The dissection was not associated with any reported pain.
Findings:
- Painless acute aortic dissection can manifest as an acute neurological deficit.
- The case challenges the classical presentation of aortic dissection.
- Early recognition of atypical symptoms is crucial.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering aortic dissection in patients with stroke-like symptoms, even without pain.
- Broadens the differential diagnosis for acute stroke presentations.
- Highlights the need for prompt and comprehensive vascular imaging in suspected dissections.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:29Stroke: Introduction and Types
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...