title: If the bubble bursts.... EMS response to aortic aneurysms & dissections.
abstract: An aortic disease patient is typically an older male with a history of atherosclerosis and hypertension. He might have Marfanoid characteristics, a history of cocaine or methamphetamine abuse or history of syphilis. Alternatively, suspect dissection in a pregnant female with complaints consistent with possible aortic problems. During your assessment, zero in on the patient's anatomy. Include aortic phenomena in your differential for chest and back pain. Take blood pressures in both arms. Search the abdomen for pulsatile masses, and be wary of hoarseness and Horner's syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Wake County EMS, Raleigh, N.C., USA.
authors.forename: Brendan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Anzalone
authors.forename: William Thomas
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Crow
authors.forename: Steven K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Costalas
mesh_terms: D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000628:therapy; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000193:education*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States