# Aortic Dissection and Cardiac Tamponade in an Elderly Female With Cushing’s Syndrome: A Fatal Case

## TL;DR

An elderly woman with Cushing's syndrome died from aortic dissection and cardiac tamponade, highlighting the importance of considering this condition in similar cases.

## Contribution

Highlights a rare but fatal case linking Cushing's syndrome with aortic dissection and cardiac tamponade.

## Key findings

- Aortic dissection was identified as the cause of death in a patient with Cushing's syndrome.
- The patient's nonspecific symptoms delayed diagnosis of a life-threatening condition.
- Postmortem findings emphasize the need for heightened awareness in similar clinical scenarios.

## Abstract

A 77-year-old female with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities presented with increased work of breathing and was found to have hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoxia. Despite initial stabilization, the patient's condition declined, leading to a sudden cardiac arrest. Postmortem examination revealed the cause of death as aortic dissection, with exsanguination into the pericardium and left pleural space. This case illustrates the value of considering aortic dissection in patients with a history of Cushing's syndrome, even when their presenting symptoms are nonspecific.