title: Thoracic aortic dissection secondary to crack cocaine ingestion.
abstract: Thoracic aortic dissection is a rare but recognized complication of crack cocaine inhalation. It is thought to be triggered in some cases by transient severe elevations in blood pressure, causing a shear effect on the thoracic aorta. Unrecognized, it can result in high morbidity and mortality. A case of an unusual presentation of thoracic aortic dissection following crack cocaine ingestion is reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28232-2861, USA.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Perron
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gibbs
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016578:Crack Cocaine / Q000506:poisoning*; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D016578:Crack Cocaine