Key result
Contrast echo and chest CT identify rare Type A aortic dissection complicated by cardiac tamponade.
Why the study?
To report a rare presentation of spontaneous aortic dissection complicated by cardiac tamponade and hemopericardium.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights a rare presentation of spontaneous Type A aortic dissection complicated by cardiac tamponade and hemopericardium, initially identified using echocardiography with intravenous contrast.
May aid bedside diagnosis of atypical Type A dissection with tamponade; leaves open routine use pending larger studies.
In this case, a 79-year-old white male is seen in the emergency department complaining of acute chest pressure, shortness of breath, diaphoresis, and dizziness that began for 4 h from the time of presentation. Physical examination showed signs concerning for cardiac tamponade in the presence of hypotension. Echocardiography showed a large amount of hemopericardium. We then injected intravenous contrast that became visible within the pericardial space. Chest computed tomography showed Type A aortic dissection. The patient was transferred to a higher-level facility for intervention. We share this rare presentation of spontaneous aortic dissection complicated by cardiac tamponade and hemopericardium.
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Sawalha et al. (2024) conducted a case report in Type A aortic dissection with cardiac tamponade and hemopericardium (n=1). Echocardiography and chest computed tomography was evaluated. Echocardiography with intravenous contrast and chest computed tomography successfully identified a rare presentation of spontaneous Type A aortic dissection complicated by cardiac tamponade.
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