Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
08:04
Pancreatic Tissue Dissection to Isolate Viable Single Cells
Published on: May 26, 2023
4.0K
Aortic Dissection Presenting as Acute Pancreatitis: Suspecting the Unexpected
Adam Hafeez1,2, Dillon Karmo1,2, Adrian Mercado-Alamo1,2
1Internal Medicine Department, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA.
Case Reports in Cardiology
|April 18, 2018
Summary
Aortic dissection, a tear in the aorta, can mimic other conditions like acute pancreatitis. This case highlights the importance of considering aortic dissection in patients with atypical symptoms and elevated lipase levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Aortic dissection (AD) is a critical vascular emergency.
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) presents with epigastric pain and elevated lipase.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to delayed treatment and adverse outcomes.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with sudden epigastric pain radiating to his back, initially diagnosed with AP.
- The patient had elevated lipase (1258 U/L) but no alcohol use or gallstones.
- New symptoms of suprapubic and scrotal pain developed two days later.
Findings:
- Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed aortic dissection.
- CT angiography confirmed a Stanford type B AD extending to the iliac arteries.
- Medical management with blood pressure control led to excellent recovery.
Implications:
- Aortic dissection can present with symptoms mimicking acute pancreatitis, necessitating a broad differential diagnosis.
- Elevated lipase levels in the context of severe pain should prompt consideration of vascular emergencies.
- Conservative medical management is effective for certain types of aortic dissection, even with atypical presentations.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
1.3K
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It can be either acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
1.3K
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
891
Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
891
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
696
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
696
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
4.4K
Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
4.4K
01:26Pancreatic Juice and Secretion
3.1K
Pancreatic juice is a clear fluid produced by the pancreas, containing water, salts, sodium bicarbonate, and enzymes vital for digestion in the small intestine. It helps break down large molecules, facilitating nutrient absorption.
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...
3.1K
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
750
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
750