A case of acute aortic dissection presenting with neurological symptoms

Abstract

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening condition that presents with diverse and atypical symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose. We present a case of a woman in her 40s who presented to the emergency department with collapse, right-sided weakness, agitation, and confusion. Despite efforts, she went into cardiac arrest and died before a definitive diagnosis was made. The post-mortem examination revealed hemopericardium due to dissection of the ascending thoracic aorta as the cause of death. This case highlights the difficulty in diagnosing AD and the need for a high index of suspicion, especially in patients presenting with neurological symptoms and risk factors.