Aortic Dissection
A 55-year-old, obese (BMI 33 kg/m2) female patient with long-standing hypertension presented to the ER with chest pain radiating to the back.
Her ECG had no signs of ischemia. Bedside examination with KOSMOS (challenging acoustic window due to obesity) revealed an intimal flap in the descending thoracic/abdominal aorta from the subcostal window. Her aortic valve was tricuspid, and mild central aortic regurgitation was seen.
Dissection of the aorta originating from the ascending aorta and extending to the iliac arteries was confirmed on subsequent urgent CT. The patient was operated on an emergency basis, and a graft was successfully placed in the ascending aorta. She was discharged from the hospital 12 days later.
Thoracic/Abdominal Aorta
Subcostal view of the aorta in its long axis showing intimal flap in the descending thoracic/abdominal aorta.
Apical 5 Chamber
Zoomed subcostal view of the aorta in its long axis showing intimal flap in the descending thoracic/abdominal aorta.
Thoracic/Abdominal Aorta
Zoomed subcostal view of the aorta in its short axis showing intimal flap in the descending thoracic/abdominal aorta.
Apical 5 Chamber
Apical 5 chamber view demonstrating central aortic regurgitation jet. The left ventricle has a normal size and normal ejection fraction.
