Thoracic aortic dissection presenting with bilateral haemothoraces: a potentially missed diagnosis

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Aug 11;16(8):e254866. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-254866.

Abstract

Thoracic aortic dissection is a life-threatening diagnosis, which should not be missed. We present a case in which a patient who presented to the emergency department with chest pain was assessed and referred for admission for treatment of pneumonia, due to misinterpretation of a chest radiograph finding. The patient was re-reviewed and subsequently underwent further investigation, which confirmed aortic dissection. She underwent emergency thoracic endovascular aortic graft repair with stent graft insertion. This case demonstrates haemothorax as an uncommon complication of aortic dissection.

Keywords: Emergency medicine; Radiology; Vascular surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Thoracic / surgery
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic* / diagnosis
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Dissection* / diagnosis
  • Aortic Dissection* / diagnostic imaging
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation*
  • Dissection, Thoracic Aorta*
  • Endovascular Procedures*
  • Female
  • Hemothorax / diagnosis
  • Hemothorax / etiology
  • Hemothorax / surgery
  • Humans
  • Missed Diagnosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stents
  • Treatment Outcome