Triple barreled aortic dissection: The Mercedes-Benz sign

Abstract

Triple barreled dissection is an extremely rare form of aortic dissection with only a few cases reported in the literature. It is characterized by 3 lumens separated by 2 intimal flaps, resembling the appearance of the ‘Mercedes Benz’ sign. We present an unusual case of triple barreled aortic dissection in a 71-year-old patient with history of hypertension. Chest radiography showed a widened mediastinum. The CT images showed a thoraco-abdominal type B aortic dissection with three lumens giving the appearance of the ‘Mercedes Benz’ sign. As the CT-scan showed no complications of the aortic dissection, the patient received medical conservative treatment.

Keywords

• Triple barreled
• Aortic dissection
• Mercedes-Benz sign
• CT angiography