Could Mild Symptoms Lead to a Critical Diagnosis? Subtle Symptoms of an Aortic Dissection

Aortic dissection is among the rare admissions to the emergency department. Although their clinical presentation is well defined, diagnosis is difficult in patients with mild symptoms. Failure to diagnose an aortic dissection can lead to very catastrophic results. We present a case report of aortic dissection, which presented with only epigastric pain as a symptom. Using pain scales and careful follow-up in the emergency department have reached a critical diagnosis.

Keywords: Dissection, emergency medicine, pain measurement, aorta