1.UNEXPLAINED NEUROLOGICAL DEFICIT WITH IMPAIRED VASCULAR PERFUSION: A MISSED TELL-TALE SIGN OF AORTIC DISSECTION PRESENTING IN A DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Sheau Phing Ang ; Ariff Arithra Abdullah ; Ariff Arithra Abdullah ; Junainah Nor ; Junainah Nor ; Yeo Seng Liu
Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre 2025;28(1):89-93
UNEXPLAINED NEUROLOGICAL DEFICIT WITH IMPAIRED VASCULAR PERFUSION: A MISSED TELL-TALE SIGN OF AORTIC DISSECTION PRESENTING IN A DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Acute aortic dissection can present with a diverse range of clinical signs and symptoms. It is a condition with high morbidity and mortality that could be missed without a high index of suspicion. This case examines a 45-year-old gentleman who presented to a district hospital with hemodynamically unstable, acute right-sided body weakness associated with a fall the day prior. He also reported frank haematuria, with suprapubic, pelvic, and right thigh pain for the past three days. A preliminary diagnosis of cerebral vascular accident with a need to rule out intracranial bleeding was made, and he was arranged for an urgent computed tomography brain scan at a secondary hospital. Unfortunately, he eventually succumbed to cardiac tamponade secondary to aortic dissection.
This case highlights the challenge clinicians face in identifying a vascular emergency that disguises with a history of trauma. This challenge is further amplified in hospital settings with scarce resources and expertise. Therefore, a thorough history taking, a focused physical examination, and a high index of suspicion are crucial for making an accurate diagnosis.

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