# Aortic Dissection in a Young Woman: A Painless Presentation With Stroke-Like Symptoms and Horner’s Syndrome

## TL;DR

A young woman with aortic dissection showed unusual symptoms like stroke and Horner’s syndrome, leading to a delayed diagnosis and fatal outcome.

## Contribution

Highlights the atypical presentation of Stanford Type A aortic dissection without chest pain in a young patient.

## Key findings

- Aortic dissection can present with stroke-like symptoms and Horner’s syndrome in the absence of chest pain.
- Delayed diagnosis due to initial focus on neurological symptoms resulted in a fatal outcome.
- Bedside echocardiography and imaging are crucial for identifying extensive aortic dissection.

## Abstract

Aortic dissection is a rare cardiovascular emergency that can present atypically, complicating diagnosis and management. We report the case of a woman in her 30s with Stanford Type A aortic dissection, presenting with stroke-like symptoms and Horner’s syndrome without chest pain. Initial management focused on her neurological deficits, delaying the diagnosis. Bedside echocardiography and confirmatory imaging ultimately revealed an extensive dissection. Despite medical management, the patient succumbed to her condition. This case underscores the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of aortic dissection to enable timely diagnosis and improve outcomes.