Slowly progressive and painless thoracic aortic dissection presenting with a persistent Fever in an elderly patient: the usefulness of combined measurement of biochemical parameters

Case Rep Med. 2013:2013:498129. doi: 10.1155/2013/498129. Epub 2013 Jun 17.

Abstract

Aortic dissection is a fatal medical condition that requires urgent diagnosis and appropriate intervention. Because acute aortic dissection often manifests as sudden onset excruciating chest pain, physicians can easily reach a proper diagnosis. However, some patients with aortic dissection present with varied clinical manifestations without exhibiting typical chest pain, leading to a delayed diagnosis and possible fatality. We herein present the case of an elderly subject with a fever of unknown origin who was ultimately diagnosed with aortic dissection. In the present case, a negative procalcitonin test, increased D-dimer and serum creatinine phosphokinase-BB levels, and reelevation of the CPR level led us to the correct diagnosis.