Enfermedades cardiovasculares y diagnóstico

Rare Case of Acute Aortic Dissection in a Young Non-Hypertensive and Non-Pregnant Lady

Abstract

Manish Barman, Bendaas Djamel and Joji Mathews

Acute aortic dissection is a catastrophic episode that usually presents as a sudden, painful, ripping sensation in the chest or back. It has an estimated annual incidence of approximately 5 to 30 per million.The primary event in aortic dissection is a tear in the aortic intima. The most important predisposing factor for acute aortic dissection is systemic hypertension. Other predisposing factors include disorders of collagen (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, aortic coarctation, Turner syndrome, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, previous aortic valve replacement, crack cocaine use, strenuous resistance training and trauma.

Approximately half of the aortic dissection observed in women under 45 years old has been reported to be related to pregnancy. Herein, we present a case of type A aortic dissection diagnosed in a 37 year old non hypertensive, nonpregnant female. Aortic dissection is not uncommon or impossible in a young healthy and previously asymptomatic female. A high level of suspicion is required for prompt diagnosis and treatment.