Acute type A aortic dissection in the immediate postpartum period following cesarean sectiontum after cesarean section: a case report

Abstract

Aortic dissection during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a rare but potentially lethal condition.

We present the case of a 42-year-old patient who underwent a scheduled segmental cesarean section with pelvic adhesiolysis and who, three days later, consulted for sudden oppressive chest pain associated with paresthesia in her right lower limb. Pulmonary thromboembolism was initially suspected, but tests confirmed acute type A aortic dissection with patent ductus arteriosus. Emergency cardiovascular surgery was performed with replacement of the ascending aorta with a Dacron prosthesis, aortic valvuloplasty, and ligation of the ductus. The postoperative course was favorable, with clinical stability and discharge from intensive care after four days.

This case highlights the need to consider aortic dissection in women in the postpartum period with chest pain, even without a history of it, and the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach.