A 65-year-old hypeensive male presented to the ER with sudden onset of pain in the back of the chest more so in the interscapular region. He described it as very severe and tearing in nature along with dyspnea, hemiplegia and hemianesthesia. Patient also complained of frequent episodes of syncope in the past 2 days. O/E: – Hypotension Feeble pulses in B/L radial aeries Wide pulse pressure Diastolic murmur heard which was radiating towards the right sternal border. X-RAY CHEST ECG CECT CHEST All of the following are true about the condition except: –
A 65-year-old hypeensive male presented to the ER with sudden onset of pain in the back of the chest more so in the interscapular region. He described it as very severe and tearing in nature along with dyspnea, hemiplegia and hemianesthesia. Patient also complained of frequent episodes of syncope in the past 2 days. O/E: – Hypotension Feeble pulses in B/L radial aeries Wide pulse pressure Diastolic murmur heard which was radiating towards the right sternal border. X-RAY CHEST ECG CECT CHEST All of the following are true about the condition except: –
π‘ Explanation
**Core Concept**
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, leading to blood flowing between the layers of the aorta, causing it to dissect or separate. This condition is often associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular risk factors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's symptoms and physical examination findings suggest an aortic dissection. The severe, tearing chest pain, hypotension, feeble pulses in both radial arteries, wide pulse pressure, and diastolic murmur radiating towards the right sternal border are all classic signs of this condition. The presence of hemiplegia and hemianesthesia may indicate involvement of the spinal cord, which can be seen in type B aortic dissection. The frequent episodes of syncope in the past 2 days may be due to aortic regurgitation causing a drop in blood pressure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as aortic dissection typically presents with a severe, tearing chest pain, which is consistent with the patient's symptoms.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as aortic dissection is often associated with a wide pulse pressure due to the regurgitation of blood through the intimal tear.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as the diastolic murmur radiating towards the right sternal border is consistent with aortic regurgitation, which can be seen in aortic dissection.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect as aortic dissection is a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Aortic dissection is often referred to as a "medical emergency within a medical emergency" due to its high mortality rate if not promptly treated. The "McGovern triad" of severe chest pain, hypotension, and a new diastolic murmur is a classic presentation of aortic dissection.
**Correct Answer:** D
β Correct Answer: B. Inflammation is usually present.
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