Recurrent transient ischemic attacks as the initial presenting manifestation of type A aortic dissection. Ann Vasc Surg 2002 Sep;16(5):676-8
Date
08/17/2002Pubmed ID
12183771DOI
10.1007/s10016-001-0193-6Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0036710669 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 8 CitationsAbstract
A case is reported of an 84-year-old woman with recurrent episodes of aphasia and right-sided weakness with spontaneous complete resolution associated with hypotension. She subsequently developed lower gastrointestinal bleeding, ischemic toes, and anuria without associated chest pain. An emergent transesophageal echocardiography showed a type A aortic dissection with aortic valve insufficiency and tamponade. Emergent thoracotomy was performed, which confirmed a severe acute type A aortic dissection. This is a reported case of acute painless aortic dissection presenting initially as recurrent transient ischemic attacks. The etiology of focal neurologic deficits should be crucially determined by an experienced clinician prior to thrombolytic administration. This case illustrates the importance of aortic disease in the etiology of acute stroke syndromes.
Author List
Zaidat OO, Ubogu EE, Lerner AJMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AgedAged, 80 and over
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Valve
Diagnosis, Differential
Echocardiography, Transesophageal
Female
Heart Valve Diseases
Humans
Ischemic Attack, Transient
Recurrence
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial