Open AccessIntramural hematoma of the aorta caused by a penetrating atheromatous ulcer
Author(s) -
Wann Samuel,
Jaff Michael,
Dorros Gerald,
Sampson Cynthia
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.4960190522
Subject(s) - medicine , aorta , hematoma , radiology , thoracic aorta , magnetic resonance imaging , aortic dissection , dissection (medical) , presentation (obstetrics) , surgery
Aortic dissection is a life‐threatening condition which is difficult to diagnose because of its variable clinical presentation and diverse pathophysiologic manifestations. We present a case in which intramural hematoma of the thoracic aorta occurred in the absence of an intimal flap. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging both showed hemorrhage in the wall of the aorta. Transesophageal echocar‐diography also revealed a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer in the transverse aorta as a cause of the hematoma. A high index of clinical suspicion and a combination of diagnostic procedures resulted in proper diagnosis and successful surgical treatment.