Incorrect Diagnosis of Type A Aortic Dissection Attributed to Motion Artifact During Computed Tomographic Angiography: A Case Report.

Abstract

Early diagnosis of aortic dissection is important to reduce mortality, with surgical management representing standard treatment. Current methods of diagnosing type A aortic dissection include computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance imaging, catheter-based arteriography, and transesophageal echocardiography. While each method has merits, there exists potential for false-positive findings. We present a case of a patient who was diagnosed with type A aortic dissection by CTA, but was found to not have an aortic dissection by transesophageal echocardiography under general anesthesia, preventing an unnecessary sternotomy. The echocardiographic findings suggested CTA artifact.