A case of aortic dissection in a cocaine abuser: a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Prompt diagnosis and management of aortic dissection are key to reduce patient morbidity and mortality; hence the need to a have a high index of suspicion for this condition. We believe it's important to report this case because it underscores the relationship between cocaine abuse and aortic dissection. In addition it strongly emphasizes basic principles in medicine: patients should not be profiled, and chronic complaints may need reassessment. CASE PRESENTATION: We are presenting a case of Stanford type A aortic dissection in a 46 year old patient with history of cocaine abuse. The aortic dissection presented as worsening of chronic upper abdominal pains he has had for years. He presented to us hours after using crack cocaine. CONCLUSION: Aortic dissection associated with cocaine abuse develops at a younger age. Therefore it's crucial to have high index of suspicion for aortic dissection in this subset of patients. Furthermore as this case illustrates, serious diseases can masquerade in old complaints. Patients should never be profiled, and chronic complaints should always be revisited.