Unmasking aortic dissection in patients of transient global amnesia: case report and diagnostic algorithm for the emergency department.
It is not unusual for doctors working in the emergency department (ED) to diagnose a benign syndrome of transient global amnesia (TGA). It is rare that the TGA patient is in danger of life because of a 'forgotten' acute aortic dissection (AAD). The present article deals with one of such rare cases of association between TGA and AAD, which presented laboratory findings never reported before. A practical diagnostic algorithm has also been drafted to help ED physicians facing such a puzzling situation.
Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Rome Sapienza-Policlinico Umberto 1, Rome, Italy. m.colotto@policlinicoumberto1.it
M
M
Colotto
M
M
Maranghi
A
A
Epifania
M
M
Totaro
R
R
Giura
C
C
Durante
D000465:Algorithms; D020236:Amnesia, Transient Global / Q000209:etiology; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004630:Emergencies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged