Spontaneous isolated coeliac artery dissection, mimicking thoracic aortic dissection: A case report

P. Pouryahya, A McR Meyer, Jeewaka E. Mohotti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleOther

Abstract

Aortic dissection is a well-known differential diagnosis for thoracic back pain radiating to the chest. Dissection of a visceral artery is a rare condition which normally presents with abdominal pain. We describe the case of a 53-year-old hypertensive man who presented with sudden onset of sharp inter-scapular back and central chest pain without any abdominal discomfort. This pain subsided after a short period but did not completely resolve. CT angiogram with working diagnosis of thoracic artery dissection was performed. This revealed isolated coeliac artery dis-section. Patient had persistent hypertension and mild thoracic back pain. He subsequently was admitted to the hospital for blood pressure management and monitoring. This case, unlike other cases in medical literature, suggests that coeliac artery dissection can present with thoracic back/chest pain and can be managed conservatively.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-37
Number of pages3
JournalMJEM: Mediterranean Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume25
Publication statusPublished - 2017

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