Although uncommon, acute aortic dissections are a life-threatening, cannot miss diagnosis for the emergency medicine clinician. Point of care ultrasound can play an integral role in the initial work up of the undifferentiated patient. While not initially utilized to make the diagnosis of aortic dissection, the ultrasound images obtained in this case describe key findings on ultrasound vital for an emergency clinician to recognize. It is essential for emergency medicine clinicians to differentiate an aortic dissection from other causes of chest pain and abdominal pain because the quick mobilization of resources plays a key role in the management and outcome of such patients.
Topics:
Aortic dissection, vascular, dissection flap, back pain, point of care ultrasound, POCUS.