Last Updated on July 17, 2022
“Aortic dissection is uncommon. However, if it occurs, the mortality rate is very high”
Presentation
• Always presents as a hypertensive emergency
Clinical Features
Signs
• Different in BP at both arms [1], i.e. discrepancy of SBP >20 mmHg between both arms [2]
• Radio-radial delay [1]
References
- Atypical presentation of acute aortic dissection in a young competitive rower
- Bilateral Blood Pressure Differential as a Reliable Sign of Acute Aortic Dissection
Take Home Message
1. In the setting of hypertensive emergency, keep BP and HR low – aim BP <120/80 mmHg and HR <60 within 1 hour of initiation of antihypertensive