[Aortic dissection: A challenge for the emergency medicine? A case report]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Emergency Medicine
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) encompasses conditions like aortic dissection (AD), intramural hematoma, penetrating aortic ulcer, and incomplete dissection.
• AAS is characterized by acute aortic pain, often presenting as sudden, severe chest pain.
• Aortic dissection typically manifests with abrupt, intense chest pain localized to the point of origin.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and a 22-year history of hypertension.
• The patient had chronic kidney disease and a history of appendectomy.
• This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of AAS in emergency settings.

Findings:

• Acute aortic syndrome presents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied clinical presentation.
• Aortic dissection is an underdiagnosed condition often linked to risk factors like hypertension.
• High clinical suspicion is essential for timely diagnosis of AAS.

Implications:

• Prompt diagnosis of AAS is crucial for patient survival, with mortality increasing 1-2% per hour.
• Recognizing AAS and its risk factors can improve diagnostic accuracy in emergency departments.
• Timely intervention in AAS can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.