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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
06:26
Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
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Status epilepticus as an initial presentation of aortic dissection: A case report
Summary
New-onset status epilepticus (SE) with elevated D-dimer levels can signal acute aortic dissection (AD) type A, even without chest pain. This rare presentation highlights the need for broader diagnostic considerations in emergency settings.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Status epilepticus (SE) is rarely the initial presentation of aortic dissection (AD).
- Aortic dissection (AD) typically presents with chest pain, but atypical presentations can occur.
- Elevated D-dimer levels are indicative of fibrin deposition and stabilization, often seen in thrombotic events.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old woman presented with altered mental status and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
- Initial head CT was non-informative, but D-dimer levels were markedly elevated.
- Emergent chest CT revealed type A aortic dissection with hemopericardium.
Findings:
- The patient experienced recurrent seizures, consistent with status epilepticus.
- Markedly elevated D-dimer levels were a key laboratory finding.
- Type A aortic dissection was confirmed via chest CT.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider acute aortic dissection type A in patients presenting with new-onset status epilepticus and elevated D-dimer, even without typical symptoms.
- This case underscores the importance of considering vascular emergencies in neurological presentations.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of aortic dissection are critical for patient outcomes.
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