Differentials

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Chest pain is typically central and crushing.

There may be a history of prior exertional chest pain.

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ECG and troponin T may indicate myocardial infarction or ischemia.

ST segment depression may occur in acute dissection, but ST elevation is rare.

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
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SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Chest pain typically pleuritic.

INVESTIGATIONS

ECG typically shows diffuse ST elevation.

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
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SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Stable (nondissecting and nonleaking) aneurysms are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is usually incidental to workup for another entity.

INVESTIGATIONS

Computed tomography angiography of the chest does not show dissection.

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Pain may be reproducible on palpation of the affected area.

INVESTIGATIONS

Computed tomography angiography of the chest does not show dissection.

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Dyspnea, hypoxia, and pleuritic chest pain.

There may be evidence of deep vein thrombosis: for example, calf swelling or tenderness.

INVESTIGATIONS

Computed tomography angiography of the chest shows pulmonary embolus.

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Possible cough or hemoptysis.

INVESTIGATIONS

Computed tomography angiography of the chest shows evidence of tumor.

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