Key result
Thunderclap headache and transient neurological deficits can signal atypical Stanford type A aortic dissection.
Case Report (n=1)
Thunderclap headache can be a rare initial manifestation of acute aortic dissection, requiring high clinical suspicion and prompt CT angiography for timely diagnosis.
Thunderclap headache warrants aortic dissection consideration in differentials; case report leaves open need for prospective validation.
The authors describe the case of a 54-year-old man with sudden onset severe headache accompanied by transitory sensory-motor deficits in all extremities, and mild abdominal pain as the initial manifestation of acute aortic dissection. Despite clinical symptoms mimicking subarachnoid hemorrhage and transitory cerebral ischemia, CT-angiography of the cerebrum and thorax revealed a Stanford type A aortic dissection. Consequently, the patient underwent insertion of a prosthesis at the aortic root and arch. In this case report, we suggest a high level of suspicion for aortic dissection in patients presenting with a sudden severe headache and/or neurological deficits accompanied by chest/back/abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of consciousness. At the same time, asymmetry of pulse and blood pressure asymmetry of the arms should also raise suspicion. An acute CT angiography with the aim of timely diagnosis will allow earlier treatment for this life-threatening condition.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Ranjeevan et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Acute aortic dissection (n=1). Acute aortic dissection was evaluated. A 54-year-old man presenting with a thunderclap headache and transient neurological deficits was diagnosed with a Stanford type A aortic dissection via CT angiography, highlighting the need for high clinical suspicion in atypical presentations.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: