Thoracic aortic dissection secondary to crack cocaine ingestion.
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.
Perron
A D
AD
Department of Emergency Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28232-2861, USA.
Gibbs
M
M
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
D016578:Crack Cocaine