Beware of the DeBakey type I aortic dissection hidden by ischemic stroke: Two case reports

DeBakey type I aortic dissection is one of the rare etiologies of ischemic stroke. It is critical to identify arterial dissection before intravenous thrombolysis; otherwise, fatal hemorrhage may occur.

In this report, we described 2 painless DeBakey type I aortic dissection cases with initial symptoms similar to ischemic stroke. Sudden onset of conscious disturbance and limb weakness within minutes occurred in both cases. Hypotension was found in both cases. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography angiography was urgently performed due to unknown reason hypotension, and DeBakey type I aortic dissection was confirmed. Intravenous thrombolysis was avoided because of timely diagnosis; however, they both eventually died of ruptured aortic dissection.

Aortic dissection should always be excluded in ischemic stroke patients with unexplained hypotension or shock symptoms before intravenous thrombolytic therapy.