The usefulness of contrast-enhanced echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of intramural hematoma and aortic dissection: A case report

Echocardiography. 2020 Aug;37(8):1304-1307. doi: 10.1111/echo.14689. Epub 2020 Jul 27.

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (cTTE) plays an important role in the diagnosis of intramural hematoma (IMH) and aortic dissection (AD), and is also necessary for the adequate management from the assessment of findings. We hereby present an interesting case in which cTTE provides additional value over contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and the morphological characterization of IMH and AD. A 58-year-old man presented to the emergency department with intermittent chest pain. After emergency consultation, an enhanced CT scan showed an acute aortic intramural hematoma involving aortic arch and descending aorta. Nevertheless, the entry tear and false lumen flow direction were identified by cTTE, which suggested an acute type B AD.

Keywords: aortic dissection; aortic intramural hematoma; contrast‐enhanced computed tomography; contrast‐enhanced transthoracic echocardiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic*
  • Aortic Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Dissection* / diagnostic imaging
  • Echocardiography
  • Hematoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged