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Life-Threatening Aortic Dissection with Cardiac Tamponade in a Healthy 15-Year-Old Male

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Abstract

We present a case of aortic dissection with shock due to cardiac tamponade in a previously healthy 15-year-old male. The diagnosis was suspected and confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography before transfer to the cardiothoracic unit for successful surgical intervention. Because it is a rare life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate in the pediatric population, a very high index of suspicion is required to reach the clinical diagnosis in a timely manner and institute appropriate surgical management.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the services and support of Mr. Neil and Ms. Sandra Ball, Department of Cardiology, Ormskirk Hospital, and express our gratitude to them.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ormskirk District General Hospital, 32 Kendrick’s Fold, Rainhill, Prescot, Merseyside, L35 9LX, UK

    K. Thattakkat

  2. Ormskirk Hospital, Lancashire, L39 2AZ, UK

    M. Zbaeda

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  1. K. Thattakkat
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  2. M. Zbaeda
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Correspondence to K. Thattakkat.

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Thattakkat, K., Zbaeda, M. Life-Threatening Aortic Dissection with Cardiac Tamponade in a Healthy 15-Year-Old Male. Pediatr Cardiol 27, 624–627 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-006-1354-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00246-006-1354-8

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