Seizure and bilateral external jugular vein distention: a rare manifestation of Stanford type A aortic dissection

Abstract

Introduction: Seizure as a sole sign of Stanford Type A aortic dissection (AAD) is mentioned in the medical literature. In this case, AAD was manifested by external bilateral jugular vein distention and generalized seizure. Patients and Methods: A 47-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with convulsions in the upper and lower extremities. She was diagnosed with AAD and transferred to a hospital with cardio-thoracic capabilities for surgery. Conclusion: Seizure resulting from aortic dissection has been explained by general cerebral hypoperfusion. However, jugular vein distention could be secondary to increased thoracic pressure, due to compression of the pulmonary artery by the ascending aorta.

Keywords

• type a aortic dissection
• external jugular vein distention
• fatal medical emergency