Open AccessTransient binocular blindness: A rare presentation of aortic dissection
Author(s) -
Shaharudin Abdul Hafiz,
Ab Hamid Muhamad Hafiq,
Yahaya Rosliza,
Nik Him Nik Ahmad Shaiffudin,
Nik Mohamed Nik Arif,
Wan Jusoh Azizul Fadzli
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
hong kong journal of emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.145
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2309-5407
pISSN - 1024-9079
DOI - 10.1177/1024907918816575
Subject(s) - medicine , aortic dissection , emergency department , presentation (obstetrics) , chest pain , radiology , dissection (medical) , carotid artery dissection , surgery , physical examination , aorta , psychiatry
Aortic dissection is a clinical chameleon that can have variable presenting features that require a careful history and physical examination. A non‐specific presentation of this life‐threatening condition causes a diagnostic dilemma among clinicians especially in the emergency department leading to grave consequences. Case Presentation: We present a case of aortic dissection that presented as an acute bilateral blindness that was associated with a sudden onset of loss of consciousness and central chest pain. Bedside carotid ultrasound showed a double lumen carotid artery suggesting an intraluminal flap. Computed tomography angiography revealed extensive dissection of the entire length of the aorta. Discussion: This case illustrated the need for a high index of suspicion to diagnose patients with aortic dissection especially as the patient presented with an acute binocular visual loss and chest pain. Conclusion: A bedside carotid artery ultrasound in the emergency department was found useful in screening and diagnosing a carotid artery–related pathology.