An autopsy case of acute aortic dissection during postpartum period

Aortic dissection in young women without Marfan disease is related in most instances to pregnancy. This is a potentially catastrophic occurrence.

An autopsy case of acute aortic dissection type B (Stanford classification), clinically undiagnosed during late puerperium period in a young woman with no discernible risk factors (e.g. family history and signs of connective tissue diseases) is presented. Autopsy with ancillary investigations revealed that knowledge of this albeit relatively rare complication of postpartum may assist the clinician in earlier diagnosis and referral of patients for surgical treatment.

This case is presented to raise awareness and review the literature for the critical care of postpartum patients.