title: Paraparesis as the major initial presentation of aortic dissection: report of four cases.
abstract: Aortic dissection, which typically manifests as sudden tearing or migratory pain, is a well-known medical emergency. However, in 5% of aortic dissection patients, there is no pain. In these patients, the diagnosis depends on the development of neurologic complications. After analyzing the initial symptoms of a series of patients with aortic dissection, we found 4/211 (1.9%) patients suffered from paraparesis. We suggested that the mid- or low thoracic cord be most vulnerable site during acute aortic dissection. This report highlighted the importance of considering the diagnosis of aortic dissection in a patient with a history of acute onset of transient or permanent neurological symptoms in the lower limbs. Whether paraparesis can be an indicator of the prognosis of aortic dissection requires further researches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan.
authors.forename: Yung-Chu
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Chou-Ching K
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000150:complications*; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020335:Paraparesis / Q000209:etiology*