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Ultraschall Med 2021; 42(02): 228-229
DOI: 10.1055/a-1347-1357
NFUD Flaggermusen

CASE REPORT: Diagnosing Thoracic Aortic Dissection using Bedside Ultrasound in an Emergency Department in a Norwegian University Teaching Hospital

Jay Chotai
1   Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Haematology, Akershus University Hospital
,
Tone Dolva Dahl
2   Department of Internal Medicine, Akershus University Hospital
,
Irida Vevecka
3   Department of Cardiology, Akershus University Hospital
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Abstract

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a medical emergency which can present with a variety of symptoms. It is vital to rapidly identify and diagnose this condition to increase the patients’ chances of survival. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) are the standard diagnostic modalities, however these are normally carried out outside an emergency department (ED), which could delay diagnosis and delivery of care.

Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) is an accepted first line imaging modality in the ED. This has been previously reported by the European Association of Echocardiography [1], and ultrasound is becoming widely available and used in EDs nowadays. The aim of this article is to present a case in which bedside ultrasound with focused cardiac examination (FOCUS) was utilised to provide a rapid diagnosis of a clinical suspected aortic dissection.



Publication History

Article published online:
12 April 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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