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Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
Aortic dissection presenting as gait disturbance: a case report
Michael Estreicher1, Joseph Portale, Bernard Lopez
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. michael.estreicher@jeffersonhospital.org
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 30, 2012
Summary
Aortic dissection can present atypically, without chest pain, mimicking stroke symptoms. Early chest X-rays are crucial before thrombolytic therapy in suspected stroke cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Aortic dissection classically presents with severe chest pain radiating to the back.
- This traditional presentation is well-established in emergency medicine.
- However, atypical presentations are increasingly recognized.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old woman presented with left homonymous hemianopsia and gait disturbance.
- Head CT revealed a right parietal infarct.
- Chest X-ray showed a widened mediastinum.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection.
- This case highlights a painless presentation of aortic dissection.
- The neurological deficits were attributed to the dissection.
Implications:
- Painless aortic dissection should be considered in the differential diagnosis for stroke.
- A portable chest X-ray is recommended before administering thrombolytics in suspected stroke.
- This diagnostic approach can prevent fatal complications from missed aortic dissections.
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