Obstruction of the right coronary artery ostium due to acute aortic dissection.

Abstract

Acute aortic dissection presents with a wide range of manifestations and it is frequently confused with acute coronary syndrome, leading to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. A high clinical index of suspicion is necessary. Longstanding arterial hypertension, elevated D-dimer levels and new onset atypical chest pain can help the clinician to perform a difficult differential diagnosis. We present a case of acute aortic dissection in a 68-year-old Italian woman with longstanding arterial hypertension, unknown ascending aortic aneurysm, normal D-dimer levels, new onset atypical chest pain and electrocardiographic images mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Also this case focuses attention on the importance of a correct evaluation of new onset chest pain.

• Authors: Salvatore Patanè, Filippo Marte, Salvatore Lentini, Francesco Monaco, Sossio Perrotta, Gianluca Di Bella, Francesco Patanè, Roberto Gaeta
• Journal: International journal of cardiology (Int J Cardiol) Vol. 133 Issue 1 Pg. 135-7 (Mar 20 2009) ISSN: 1874-1754 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 18178269 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Letter)

Topics

• Acute Coronary Syndrome (diagnosis)
• Aged
• Aortic Dissection (diagnosis)
• Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic (diagnosis)
• Chest Pain (diagnosis)
• Coronary Stenosis (diagnosis)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Humans