Intramural Hematoma of the Descending Thoracic Aorta Misdiagnosed as Aortic Rupture: A case report.
- Author:
Won Min JO
1
;
Jae Seung SHIN
;
Byoung Ju MIN
;
In Sung LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Ansan Hospital, College of Medicine, Korea University, Korea. jason@korea.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Aorta;
Hematoma;
Aortic rupture
- MeSH:
Aorta;
Aorta, Thoracic*;
Aortic Rupture*;
Diagnosis;
Emergencies;
Follow-Up Studies;
Hematoma*;
Hemothorax;
Humans;
Pleural Effusion;
Ulcer
- From:The Korean Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
2004;37(10):872-875
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The treatment modalities of the intramural hematoma (IMH) remain controversial. Nowadays, the IMH of the descending thoracic aorta is generally classified in the medical treatment category. We describe a patient with IMH of the descending thoracic aorta who received the medical treatment. During the follow-up, we speculated that the IMH had been aggravated leading to an aortic rupture including hemothorax. Therefore, we performed an emergency operation. Contrary to our expectations, operative findings showed a well-organized aortic wall and serous pleural effusion. The exact diagnosis was IMH of the descending thoracic aorta with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). This case reminded us of the importance of accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
