The utility of multiple imaging modalities to diagnose acute aortic dissection

A 21-year-old man with Marfan syndrome and known aortic root aneurysm presented to our emergency department with symptoms suggestive of acute aortic dissection. The patient was hemodynamically stable and bilateral upper extremity blood pressures were similar. There was no mediastinal widening on portable chest radiograph. Both contrast CT and retrograde angiography of the aorta failed to identify dissection. Subsequent transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a Stanford classification type A dissection. This case demonstrates the utility of multiple imaging modalities for identifying aortic dissection in high-risk patients.     

Type A aortic dissection associated with tension pneumothorax

Both aortic dissection and tension pneumothorax are conditions that require urgent treatments. However, the diagnosis of these emergencies is sometimes challenging because of various symptoms and difficulty obtaining their medical history due to severe conditions. Here, we present the case of a patient with type A aortic dissection associated with tension pneumothorax. This is the second report of such a case worldwide. A 61-year-old man presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset chest and back pain. Upon presentation, his blood pressure was 97/58 mmHg, oxygen saturation on room air was 96%, and respiratory rate was 28 breaths/min. His physical examination revealed no jugular venous distention; however, breath sounds over the left lung were diminished. Bedside chest radiography revealed left tension pneumothorax with mediastinal shift to the right. Needle and chest tube thoracostomies were performed; however, the patient's vital signs did not improve and reexpansion pulmonary edema developed following tube thoracostomy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed type A thrombosed aortic dissection with bullae in the upper lobe of the left lung. Therefore, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit, conservatively treated, and discharged without any complications. In conclusion, type A aortic dissection may be associated with tension pneumothorax and should be considered if the patient's vital signs do not improve even after decompression of the tension pneumothorax.     

Acute aortic dissection mimicking an acute coronary syndrome through occlusion of the right coronary artery

Occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA) is an uncommon complication of type A aortic dissection. Aortic dissection and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) share a similar pathogenesis in atherosclerosis and hypertension. Consequently a patient with ischaemic risk factors presenting with chest pain and dynamic ECG change may well be incorrectly treated for ACS if careful attention is not paid to the presenting symptoms and signs. This case report describes a 59-year-old man who presented with chest pain, confusion and an ischaemic ECG and was initially treated for ACS. He subsequently deteriorated clinically and imaging confirmed type A aortic dissection complicated by RCA occlusion. Following emergent surgery with aortic root replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting he later made a good recovery.     

Painless dissection of the thoracic aorta

A 64-year-old man presented to an emergency department with a two-week history of intermittent, bilateral lower extremity paralysis without associated chest, abdominal, or back pain. He subsequently deteriorated and died as a result of a thoracic aortic dissection. This unusual case is reported, and the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of aortic dissection are discussed.     

Ischemic stroke with left hemiparesis or shock should be evaluated by computed tomography for aortic dissection

An 82-year-old woman with consciousness disturbance, left hemeparesis, and dysarthria was discovered at home by her family and was transported to a hospital. On arrival, she remained in a sleepy and disorientated and shock state. She complained of nausea but no chest or back pain. She obtained stable circulation after infusion. Her chest roentgen results showed widening of the mediastinum and the existence of a separation of the intimal calcification from the outer aortic soft tissue border, thus suggesting a Stanford A–type aortic dissection. Her head computed tomography depicted no signs of cerebral infarction. Because she did not complain of any pain, the possibility of acute phase aortic dissection was rejected. A permissive hypertensive therapy was initiated. Next day, she suddenly died. We diagnosed that she had died of a Stanford A–type aortic dissection based on the following facts: (1) patients presenting with stroke due to a Stanford A–type aortic dissection tend to have left hemiparesis because of malcirculation of the innominate artery and (2) a patient presenting with stroke by aortic dissection may have hypotension, which is unusual in standard stoke cases. Ischemic stroke induced by aortic dissection is not common among the patients with aortic dissection. However, given the high morbidity and mortality after misdiagnosis of aortic dissection, patients with ischemic stroke with left hemiparesis or shock should be evaluated by enhanced truncal computed tomography.     

Vertebral artery dissection in a patient practicing self-manipulation of the neck

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient who regularly practiced self-manipulation of her neck who presented with shoulder and neck pain and was undergoing a vertebral artery dissection. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 42-year-old female patient sought care for left shoulder pain with a secondary complaint of left lower neck pain. Twelve days prior, she had had "the worst headache of her life," which began in her left lower cervical spine and extended to her left temporal region. The pain was sudden and severe, was described as sharp and burning, and lasted 3 hours. She reported nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Initial history and examination suggested that the patient's head and neck pain was not musculoskeletal in origin, but vascular. She repeatedly requested that an adjustment be performed, but instead was referred to the local emergency department for further evaluation. Magnetic resonance angiogram revealed a dissection of the left vertebral artery from C6 to the C2-C3 interspace and a 3-mm dissecting pseudoaneurysm at the C3 level. She underwent stent-assisted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty combined with antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel) and experienced a good outcome. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that careful history taking and awareness of the symptoms of VAD are necessary in cases of sudden head and neck pain. More research is needed on the relationship between vertebral artery dissection and self-manipulation of the neck.     

Type A aortic dissection developed after type B dissection with the presentation of shoulder pain: A case report

BACKGROUNDAortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate without immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical in treating patients with AD. In the emergency department, patients with AD commonly present with classic symptoms of unanticipated severe chest or back pain. However, it is worth noting that atypical symptoms of AD are easily misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARYA 51-year-old woman was first diagnosed with scapulohumeral periarthritis due to left shoulder pain. After careful examination of her previous medical history and contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography, the patient was diagnosed with a new type A AD after chronic type B dissection in the ascending aorta. The patient was successfully treated with surgical replacement of the dissected aortic arch and remains in good health.CONCLUSIONNew retrograde type A AD after chronic type B dissection is relatively rare. It is worth noting that a physician who has a patient with suspected AD should be vigilant. Both patient medical history and imaging tests are crucial for a more precise diagnosis.     

主动脉夹层的临床病理特点及CT临床诊断

目的分析主动脉夹层的临床特征、病因及CT对主动脉夹层的临床诊断。方法对我院收治的57例主动脉夹层患者资料进行回顾性分析,总结主动脉夹层的临床病理特点,并对CT平扫和CT血管成像扫描检查主动脉夹层结果进行对比。结果主动脉夹层患者临床症状主要表现为突发性疼痛52例(91.2%)以及高血压48例(84.2%),57例患者中Stanford A型39例,Stanford B型18例,DebakeyⅠ、Ⅱ型27例,DebakeyⅢ型30例;CT血管成像的检出率显著高于CT平扫检出率(χ2=4.940,P0.05)。结论主动脉夹层是以一种高致死性疾病,高血压可能为其主要诱发因素,CT平扫及CT增强扫描有较高的敏感性和特异性,能够对主动脉夹层进行快速准确的诊断。     

改良大动脉覆膜支架腔内修复治疗DeBaKeyⅢ型主动脉夹层

背景:常规的覆膜支架治疗DeBaKeyⅢ型主动脉夹层手术繁杂,并发症发生率较高,其操作技术有增加夹层破口破裂的风险.目的:应用改良的大动脉覆膜支架和创新的介入治疗方法腔内修复治疗DeBaKeyⅢ型主动脉夹层,观察其疗效和安全性.设计、时间及地点:回顾性病例分析,病例来自2006-10/2009-03赣南医学院第一附属医院心血管内科.对象:选择赣南医学院第一附属医院心血管内科收治的DeBaKeyⅢ型主动脉夹层患者30例,均为男性,年龄43～70(53.5±12.8)岁.发病时间为5～45 d不等.方法:全部病例选用细钢丝捆绑的覆膜支架和创新输送及释放支架的方法,对降主动脉破口与左锁骨下动脉距离<10 mn的DeBaKeyⅢ型主动脉夹层,可选用分支型大动脉覆膜支架.主要观察指标:支架置入成功后复行主动脉造影,了解覆膜支架位置,形态,夹层破口封闭和内漏以及主动脉弓分支血管通畅情况:观察术后并发症情况.术后行磁共振检查随访支架情况,有无瘤体破裂、内漏及支架移位等并发症.结果:30例共置入33枚细钢丝捆绑覆膜支架,其中4例因降主动脉破口与左锁骨下动脉距离<10 mm而置入分支型支架;5例支架置入后出现明显内漏,3例予球囊扩张,2例再置入1枚支架后内漏消失;1例患者置入后3个月支架远端出现新的破裂口而再置入1枚支架成功,3例出现右下肢麻木症状,1例出现右下肢间歇性跛行.所有患者置入后3～32个月随访行磁共振检查示假腔缩小并见腔内血栓形成,真腔增大,无瘤体破裂、内漏及支架移位等并发症.结论:采用细钢丝捆绑大动脉覆膜支架、创新输送和释放支架方法治疗DeBaKeyⅢ型主动脉夹层,具有技术操作容易、可靠、创伤小、术后恢复快、成功率高、并发症少等优点,尤其适用于高危患者.     

Case report: aortic dissection and cystic medial degeneration in a 24-year-old without Marfan syndrome

The effective management of aortic dissection relies heavily on a high index of suspicion followed by timely definitive diagnosis. Young adults without a history of blunt trauma who are not at risk for atherosclerotic disease may lower this suspicion. We present a 24-year-old patient with complaints of chest pain who presented in multiple urgent care clinics and emergency departments. With a normal chest radiograph, he was repeatedly discharged home on analgesics until a loud murmur was heard. An echocardiogram revealed a dilated aortic root with an intimal flap consistent with a type II dissection. After surgical aortic repair with a Bentall procedure, he was discharged with complete relief of symptoms. Histologic reports revealed cystic medial degeneration. Physical examinations did not demonstrate the phenotypic manifestations of Marfan syndrome. This case illustrates the importance of cardiac auscultation when assessing an individual with chest pain, even with a low likelihood for alteration in arterial structure, and the maintenance of a high index of clinical suspicion despite a normal chest radiograph. We consider this case to be of interest because of its rarity in a 24-year-old.     

Acute thoracoabdominal aortic dissection presenting as painless, transient paralysis of the lower extremities: a case report

Acute dissection of the aorta can be one of the most dramatic of cardiovascular emergencies. Its symptoms can occur abruptly and progress rapidly. Prompt recognition and appropriate intervention is crucial. However, not all aortic dissections present with classic symptoms of abrupt chest, back, or abdominal pain, and the diagnosis may be missed. A 63-year-old woman presented with transient loss of lower extremity motor and sensory function as the only symptom of an acute thoracoabdominal aortic dissection. Aortic dissection presenting as a transient neurologic syndrome is quite unusual. The sudden onset of weakness and parasthesia can result from the interruption of blood flow to the spinal cord. These symptoms of acute spinal cord ischemia, suggestive of a serious cardiovascular event, must be recognized and thoroughly investigated.     

Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as a complication of bed rest for low back pain

A case of bilateral lower extremity deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as a complication of bed rest prescribed for an acute low back pain episode is presented. A 29-year-old woman with low back pain was prescribed more than 2 weeks of bed rest, during which she developed progressive bilateral lower extremity complaints that were ascribed to nerve root irritation. Her symptoms were initially treated with physical therapy and epidural steroid injections. A Doppler examination and ventilation-perfusion scan revealed extensive deep venous thromboses and mismatches consistent with pulmonary embolism. This case illustrates an unusual extraspinal source of lower extremity symptoms associated with low back pain and further supports the role of early mobilization in the treatment of back pain.     

Aortic valve commissural tear mimicking type A aortic dissection.

A 52-year-old man came to the local emergency department with symptoms of heart failure and transient chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation and a dilated ascending aorta. Aortic dissection was suspected, and he was transferred to our institution. Transesophageal echocardiography appeared to confirm the presence of a type A dissection. A mobile, linear structure was present in the proximal ascending aorta, suggesting the presence of dissection flap. Aortic cusp prolapse and severe aortic regurgitation were seen. At surgery, no aortic dissection was present. Rather, the commissure between right and left aortic valve cusps was separated from the wall of the aorta. Motion of the torn commissure with the cardiac cycle apparently led to the transesophageal echocardiographic appearance described. The ascending aorta was dilated. Histopathologic examination of the aorta confirmed the visual appearance of cystic medial necrosis. Aortic valve commissural tear is a rare event, which may lead to severe aortic regurgitation. This entity may lead to the false-positive transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of type A dissection.     

妊娠合并主动脉夹层6例回顾性分析

目的 探讨妊娠合并主动脉夹层的临床表现、诊断及治疗.方法 选取河南省人民医院于2015年1月至2020年12月收治的妊娠合并主动脉夹层患者6例,对其临床资料、治疗方案和母儿结局进行回顾性分析,探讨不同手术时机对妊娠合并主动脉夹层结局的影响.结果 6例年龄30～38岁,平均32.16岁.发病时间为孕5周至产后1个月,孕早...     

Ultrasonographic detection of chronic type A aortic dissection extending to the right extracranial internal carotid artery: A case report

We report the case of a patient with chronic type A aortic dissection (AD), who had been admitted, 18 months ago, to another hospital with acute chest-tearing pain accompanied with transient loss of consciousness. His symptoms resolved but he reported after discharge a toothache and fluctuating right mandibular pain. He presented to our outpatient clinic because his facial pain aggravated. Physical examination demonstrated a bruit over the right carotid artery. Transthoracic echocardiography and carotid sonography demonstrated aortic dissection extending into the extracranial right internal carotid artery (ICA), which was tortuous. The patient refused surgery. This case reminds us that AD can involve the extracranial ICA, and that long-term survival is possible with type A acute AD without treatment. Carotid ultrasonography is noninvasive, inexpensive, easily performed, and can lead to the detection of chronic type A AD extending to the extracranial ICA.     

Aortic dissection presenting with acute pulmonary edema

Background

Acute aortic dissection is a cardiovascular emergency with high mortality that necessitates prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment. Though asymmetric extremity pulses/blood pressures and mediastinal widening on chest roentgenogram are often clues to diagnosis, aortic regurgitation (AR) of variable degrees could be the only sign on initial assessment. Mostly resulting from dilated aortic ring with valvular insufficiency, the AR could be caused by different pathogenic mechanisms. Herein we report a case of Stanford type A aortic dissection presenting with acute pulmonary edema. Physical examination detected severe AR murmur and bedside echocardiogram confirmed prolapsed dissecting intima flap with interference of aortic valve closure as a specific mechanism.

A Severe Case of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) Managed with Spinal Cord Stimulation

Complex regional pain syndrome is a condition that usually affects the upper or lower extremities. The cause is not clearly understood. We report a case of a severe form of a rapidly progressive complex regional pain syndrome type I developing after a right shoulder injury managed with spinal cord stimulation (SCS). After failed conservative treatments, a rechargeable SCS system was implanted in the cervical spine. Allodynia and dystonia improved but the patient subsequently developed similar symptoms in lower right extremity followed by her lower left extremity. The patient became wheelchair bound. A second rechargeable SCS with a paddle electrode was implanted for the lower extremity coverage. The patient's allodynia and skin lesions improved significantly. However, over time, her initial symptoms reappeared which included skin breakdown. Due to the need for frequent recharging, the system was removed. During explantation of the surgical paddle lead, it was noted by the neurosurgeon that the contacts of the paddle lead were detached from the lead. After successful implantation of another SCS system, the patient was able to reduce her medications and is now able to ambulate with the use of a left elbow crutch.     

Chiropractic rehabilitation of a patient with S1 radiculopathy associated with a large lumbar disk herniation

OBJECTIVE: To describe the nonsurgical treatment of acute S1 radiculopathy from a large (12 x 12 x 13 mm) L5-S1 disk herniation. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 31-year-old man presented with severe lower back pain and pain, paresthesia, and plantar flexion weakness of the left leg. His symptoms began 5 days before the initial visit and progressed despite nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesic medication. An absent left Achilles reflex, left S1 dermatome hypesthesia, and left gastrocnemius/soleus weakness was noted. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large L5-S1 disk herniation. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Initial treatment of this patient included McKenzie protocol press-ups to reduce and centralize symptoms, nonloading exercise for cardiovascular fitness, and lower leg isotonic exercises to prevent atrophy. Counseling was provided to reduce abnormal illness behavior risk. Later, flexion distraction and side-posture manipulation were provided to improve joint function. Sensory motor training, trunk stabilization exercises, and trigger point therapy were also used. He returned to modified work 27 days after symptom onset. A follow-up, comparative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was unchanged. He was discharged as symptomatic (zero rating on both the Oswestry and numerical pain scales) after 50 days and 20 visits, although the left S1 reflex remained absent. Reassessment 169 days later revealed neither significant symptoms nor lifestyle restrictions. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the potential benefit of a chiropractic rehabilitation strategy by use of multimodal therapy for lumbar radiculopathy associated with disk herniation.     

Spinal cord injury by direct damage during trigger point injection: a case report

Trigger point injection (TPI) is commonly administered for myofascial pain syndrome management, but occasionally leads to complications, including bleeding, muscle hematoma, vasovagal syncope, skin infections, and pneumothorax. This report presents a case of TPI-induced iatrogenic spinal cord injury (SCI). A 59-year-old woman received TPI for myofascial pain on both thoracolumbar paraspinal muscles. She experienced an electric shock sensation throughout the lower extremities upon receiving blind TPI in the left thoracolumbar paraspinal muscle, and later complained of weakness (manual muscle test grade: 0–2) and neuropathic pain (numeric rating scale [NRS]: 7) in the lower left extremity. Thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 3 days after the TPI revealed a high-intensity T2 signal in the left T12 to L2 spinal cord segments, indicating the presence of edema or inflammation in this region. In concordance with the MRI findings, electrophysiological recordings performed 11 days after the TPI revealed no central motor conduction time response in the left leg. At 7 months post-onset, the patient had partially recovered motor function and neuropathic pain was reduced to NRS 4. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of needle-induced SCI during paraspinal muscle TPI; imaging guidance may be helpful for accurate needle targeting during the procedure.     

Headache as the initial manifestation of acute aortic dissection type A

The most common initial symptom of aortic dissection is chest pain. Other initial symptoms include pain in the neck, throat, abdomen and lower back, syncope, paresis, and dyspnoea. Headache as the initial symptom of aortic dissection has not been described previously. A 61-year-old woman with a history of migraine and arterial hypertension developed continuous bifrontal headache. Two hours later, right-sided thoracic pain and a diastolic murmur were suggestive of aortic dissection that was confirmed by echocardiography and subsequent surgery. The dissection commenced in the ascending aorta and involved all cervical arteries until the base of the skull. Headache as the initial manifestation of aortic dissection was assumed due to either vessel distension or pericarotid plexus ischemia. Aortic dissection has to he considered as a rare differential diagnosis of frontal headache, especially in patients who develop aortic regurgitation or chest pain for the first time.