Two Cases of an Unusual Childhood Aortic Dissection Resulting in Death

Abstract

Pediatric aortic dissection is an emergency condition that is difficult to diagnose and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. To draw attention to this issue, we present two male cases diagnosed with aortic dissection because of an autopsy. A 16-year-old man with severe new-onset chest pain had an unremarkable physical examination, electrocardiography, and laboratory values. Aortic dissection was not detected on non-contrast computed tomography or echocardiography. Type A aortic dissection was discovered during the patient's autopsy. In the second case, a 10-year-old male patient complained of fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The physical examination and biochemical tests were unremarkable. Type B aortic dissection was discovered during the autopsy. Genetic and congenital causes predisposing to aortic dissection and hypertension or a history of trauma were not detected in either patient. Aortic dissection, which is very rare in children, should be considered in cases of persistent chest pain, and rapid diagnosis with contrast-enhanced tomography is vital.

Keywords

• aortic dissection
• autopsy
• chest pain
• child