Painless Aortic Syndrome in a Patient with Syncope and Globus Sensation: A Case Report

Aortic dissection is a devastating clinical entity with a variety of presentations and requires prompt recognition and management. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of a patient who presented with a globus sensation and was diagnosed with an aortic dissection prior to clinical deterioration.

The patient presented with an episode of near-syncope and globus sensation. Imaging studies revealed a type A aortic dissection with hemopericardium requiring emergent operative intervention. Unfortunately, the patient's course was complicated by significant hemorrhage and periods of hypotension, and the family ultimately decided to pursue comfort care.

Aortic dissections can present with diverse and elusive symptoms, which can mimic other more common conditions, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and delayed intervention.