Ruptured aortic dissection into the left atrium which presented as congestive heart failure and was diagnosed by transoesophageal echocardiography. Issue 4 (October 1994)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Camp, G; Liebens, I; Silance, P G; Cham, B; Vandenbossche, J L
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 72:Issue 4(1994)
• Page Start: 400
• Page End: 402
• Publication Date: 1994-10
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.72.4.400
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : A 72 year old man was admitted with severe dyspnoea. Ten days before he had had intense thoracic pain with loss of consciousness that was followed by increased dyspnoea. A continuous murmur was heard in the precordial and the left infrascapular regions. Lung auscultation showed stasis over the lower half of both lungs. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a bicuspid aortic valve and a dissection of the proximal aorta, which was considerably enlarged. Transoesophageal echocardiography confirmed dissection of the proximal aorta and showed a communication from the false lumen of the aortic dissection to the left atrium; and colour flow Doppler showed a continuous shunt to the left atrium. After transoesophageal echocardiography the patient had emergency surgical repair, which was successful. He had no complications in the post-operative period.