title: Diagnosis of a pericardial effusion with a thoracic aortic aneurysm by point-of-care ultrasound.
abstract: We present a rare case of a young patient with chest pain whose ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) was detected by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) leading to a successful surgical repair. POCUS identified a moderate pericardial effusion and an associated severely dilated ascending aorta. In this context, it is important to rule out aortic rupture and aortic dissection. We also discuss the epidemiology, complications, and management of TAAs as well as the role of cardiac POCUS in the diagnosis of thoracic aneurysmal disease.
authors: *Department of Emergency Medicine,University of British Columbia,Vancouver,BC.
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Francispragasam
authors: *Department of Emergency Medicine,University of British Columbia,Vancouver,BC.
authors: Jeff H
authors: JH
authors: Yoo
authors: *Department of Emergency Medicine,University of British Columbia,Vancouver,BC.
authors: Tong V
authors: TV
authors: Lam
authors: *Department of Emergency Medicine,University of British Columbia,Vancouver,BC.
authors: Daniel J
authors: DJ
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal / Q000379:methods; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods
keywords: aortic aneurysm rupture; pericardial effusion; point-of-care ultrasound; thoracic aortic aneurysm; ultrasound