Incidental Finding of an Asymptomatic Aortic Dissection in a Patient With Catheterization Failure

Cureus. 2022 Jan 6;14(1):e20984. doi: 10.7759/cureus.20984. eCollection 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Aortic dissection (AD) is an injury to the innermost layer of the aorta, leading to the formation of a false lumen. AD usually presents with tearing chest pain radiating to the back and is a medical emergency. Other common symptoms include abdominal pain, diaphoresis, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, stroke-like symptoms, or leg pain. Here, we present a rare case of an incidental finding of asymptomatic AD on computed tomography angiography performed after cardiac catheterization failure. The patient had a history of aortic aneurysm, hypertension, and heart failure. Appropriate imaging should be performed to rule out the possibility of AD in patients with risk factors and cardiac catheterization failure.

Keywords: abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; aortic dissection diagnosis; chest ct angiography; heart catheterization; type a aortic dissection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports