A Man with Sudden Onset Leg Pain and Weakness
James DeChiara1, Lisa Skinner2
1Madigan Army Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|December 20, 2024
Summary
This case report details a rare vascular emergency: acute aortic occlusion. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention, including embolectomies and stenting, successfully restored function in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Acute aortic occlusion is a rare but life-threatening vascular emergency.
- It can be misdiagnosed as spinal pathology, leading to delayed treatment.
- High morbidity and mortality rates are associated with this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of acute aortic occlusion in an elderly patient.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and successful management of this condition.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of an 89-year-old male with sudden leg pain and weakness.
- Diagnosis confirmed by computed tomography angiography showing acute aortic and iliac artery occlusion.
- Surgical intervention included aortoiliac and femoral embolectomies and bilateral common iliac artery stenting.
Main Results:
- The patient underwent successful embolectomies and stenting.
- The patient returned to his baseline functional status post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Acute aortic occlusion requires prompt diagnosis and intervention to improve outcomes.
- Despite its rarity, it remains a critical vascular emergency with significant risks.
- Multimodal imaging and surgical expertise are crucial for effective management.
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