Acute type A aortic dissection in a young weightlifter: a case study with an in-depth literature review

In spite of the continuing efforts of researchers and practitioners, the mortality rate for acute type A aortic dissection remains relatively high at about 20-50%. Conventional risk factors associated with acute type A aortic dissection include a family history or prior history of aortic disease, connective tissue disease, smoking, alcohol use, substance abuse, diabetes mellitus type II, and age of 40 or greater. With the growing awareness for fitness in our society, vigorous exercise is emerging as a novel risk factor for acute type A Aortic dissection. Herein, we present a non-trauma related acute type A aortic dissection secondary to weight-lifting in a young man. We also reviewed several articles in order to provide a comprehensive literature overview for readers, clinicians and future researchers.