Aortic Dissection Mimics Acute Abdomen in an Older Patient

Aortic dissection is a relatively uncommon illness, but it often presents with acute hemodynamic compromise and severe chest pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for survival. Patients with an aortic dissection typically present with an acute, severe, sharp, or "tearing" posterior chest or anterior chest pain or back pain. We describe one example of ascending aortic dissection show atypical symptoms. And the symptoms are similar to acute abdomen initially. We should always keep in mind that the possibility of aortic dissection when a widened mediastinum is noted despite of atypical symptoms for aortic dissection. Copyright (C) 2012, Taiwan Society of Geriatric Emergency & Critical Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.