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Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Seizure as initial manifestation of aortic dissection type a
Josef Finsterer1, Marlies Frank, Hans Keller
1Vienna, Austria, Europe.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|February 5, 2011
Summary
A generalized tonic-clonic seizure can be the first sign of aortic dissection type A, even without chest pain. This rare presentation highlights the need for broader diagnostic considerations in seizure patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Seizures are an uncommon initial presentation of aortic dissection.
- Aortic dissection type A requires prompt diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of aortic dissection type A presenting initially as a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
- To emphasize the importance of considering aortic dissection in the differential diagnosis of seizures, especially in the absence of typical symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 88-year-old female with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
- Diagnostic workup included magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, blood tests, echocardiography, and computed tomography.
- Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and patient outcome were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a seizure, followed by extremity pain and declining blood pressure.
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed aortic dissection type A.
- Elevated D-dimer and metabolic acidosis were noted.
- The patient died 16 hours post-admission due to delayed surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- A generalized tonic-clonic seizure can be the sole initial manifestation of aortic dissection type A.
- Thoracic chest pain may not be present early in the course of aortic dissection.
- Brachyalgia may develop later as the dissection progresses.
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