Aortic dissection

Question 1

How would aortic dissection present?

Answer 1

Sudden/ rapid onset of tearing, excruciating chest pain often radiating to the back

Question 2

What are important clinical findings indicating aortic dissection?

Answer 2

Marked radiofemoral delay
Aortic regurgitation
Hypotension

Question 3

Aortic dissection is more common in those with?

Answer 3

Hypertension

Question 4

What would cardiac enzymes and ECG typically show in aortic dissection?

Answer 4

Mildly elevated troponin rise may be seen

Usually no obvious signs on ECG of MI

Question 5

What is used for definitive diagnosis of aortic dissection

Answer 5

CT aorta - but usually there isn’t time because these pts are really unwell