Unexpected acute aortic dissection after elective cesarean section delivery: Report of a case and review of the literature.

Kang, Byung Hun; Lee, Min A; Rhee, Yun Ee; Noh, Heung Tae

doi:2011.54.11.696

Obstet Gynecol Sci > Volume 54(11); 2011 > Article

Case Report

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2011;54(11):696-700.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5468/KJOG.2011.54.11.696 Published online November 1, 2011.

Unexpected acute aortic dissection after elective cesarean section delivery: Report of a case and review of the literature.

Byung Hun Kang, Min A Lee, Yun Ee Rhee, Heung Tae Noh

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea. minari73@cnuh.co.kr

Abstract

Acute aortic dissection may indeed be a rare complication of pregnancy, and the majority of aortic dissections usually occur during the third trimester of pregnancy. Most aortic dissections occur as a result of systemic hypertension or connective tissue disorders. Without any treatment, more than 50% of patients die within the initial 48 hours, and the 3-month mortality rate is as high as 90%. Because the pain in puerperal women is uncertain and difficult to discriminate from physiologic pain, the diagnosis of aortic dissection is complex and requires a high index of suspicion. We experienced a case of unexpected acute aortic dissection that occurred after elective cesarean section delivery in a young woman without any known risk factors. This case of aortic dissection was managed medically. In postpartum patients complaining of chest pain, the suspicion of aortic dissection is important for prompt diagnosis and better prognosis.

Key Words: Aortic dissection, Pregnancy