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World Journal of Emergency Medicine ›› 2012, Vol. 3 ›› Issue (3): 235-236.doi: 10.5847/wjem.j.issn.1920-8642.2012.03.014

• Case Reports • Previous Articles    

Images in emergency medicine: giant ascending aortic aneurysm dissection with hemopericardium

Boon Ong1, Martyn Harvey1(), Grant Cave2   

  1. 1 Emergency Medicine Department, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
    2 Emergency Medicine Department, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
  • Received:2011-10-09 Accepted:2012-02-11 Online:2012-09-15 Published:2012-09-15
  • Contact: Martyn Harvey E-mail:Martyn.Harvey@waikatodhb.health.nz

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Acute chest pain represents a common presentation at emergency department. Aortic dissection in young patients, however, is fortunately rare.

METHODS: We report a case of giant ascending aortic aneurysm with Stanford type A aortic dissection in an otherwise well 22-year-old male patient. Operative aortic valve and root replacement was undertaken with favourable outcome.

RESULTS: Histopathologic examination of the resected aorta revealed acute on chronic inflammatory change with Langerhans type giant cells consistent with a diagnosis of giant cell aortitis.

CONCLUSION: While uncommon, emergencies of the aorta may present in young patients. Predisposing conditions are discussed.

Key words: Aorta, Aneurysm, Tamponade, Dissection