Aortic Dissection

Last Updated on July 17, 2022

“Aortic dissection is uncommon. However, if it occurs, the mortality rate is very high”

Presentation

• Always presents as a hypertensive emergency

Clinical Features

Signs

• Different in BP at both arms ^[1], i.e. discrepancy of SBP >20 mmHg between both arms ^[2]
• Radio-radial delay ^[1]

References

1. Atypical presentation of acute aortic dissection in a young competitive rower
2. Bilateral Blood Pressure Differential as a Reliable Sign of Acute Aortic Dissection

Take Home Message

1. In the setting of hypertensive emergency, keep BP and HR low – aim BP <120/80 mmHg and HR <60 within 1 hour of initiation of antihypertensive