# Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation With Subsequent Pneumothorax and Aortic Dissection: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A 74-year-old man with COPD had a severe episode complicated by pneumothorax and a rare aortic dissection, highlighting the need to consider multiple conditions when evaluating sudden shortness of breath.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare co-occurrence of COPD exacerbation, pneumothorax, and aortic dissection in a single patient.

## Key findings

- COPD exacerbation was accompanied by pneumothorax and aortic dissection in a 74-year-old male.
- Aortic dissection is an exceedingly rare complication in patients with COPD.
- Healthcare providers should consider multiple concurrent thoracic pathologies in patients presenting with acute dyspnea.

## Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumothorax, and aortic dissection are all potentially life-threatening intrathoracic pathologies known for presenting with a chief complaint of shortness of breath. The following case involves a 74-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnea. He was found to have concurrent COPD exacerbation, pneumothorax, and aortic dissection. While pneumothorax is a known complication in older patients with underlying COPD, aortic dissection is an exceedingly rare complication. Healthcare providers should consider the possibility of concurrent multiple disease processes in the workup of acute shortness of breath.