A case report: Efficacy of thoracic MRA for ischemic stroke due to acute aortic dissection

Ischemic stroke requires prompt diagnosis and treatment but rarely results from acute aortic dissection. The administration of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) to such patients can lead to serious complications and potentially fatal outcomes. Here, we report a case in which thoracic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was useful for identifying cerebral infarction complicated by acute aortic dissection.

A 60-year-old man presented with a sudden onset of left-sided hemiplegia, right-sided hemiparesis, and dysarthria. Noncontrast CT ruled out intracranial hemorrhage; however, aortic dissection was not detected. MRI showed reduced blood flow in the right middle cerebral artery, and t-PA administration was suspected to have caused ischemic stroke. However, thoracic MRA revealed dissection from the ascending aorta to the arch, which was diagnosed using contrast-enhanced CT.

Thoracic MRA is useful for diagnosing acute aortic dissection in patients with a stroke.