Double Compression of Left Atrium and Pulmonary Artery by a Huge Descending Aortic Aneurysm with Intramural Hematoma Mimicking Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

摘要

Hemodynamic instability secondary to left atrial (LA) compression by an aortic aneurysm is a rare entity. We report ? the case of a 43-year old woman with no previous diagnosis of congestive heart failure who was admitted for an initial diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) based on shortness of breath, hypotension and D - Dimer s ?elevation. The electrocardiogram and blood counts were within normal limits. The chest X-ray revealed widening of the mediastinum. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated LA compression by a large descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. Left and right ventricle systolic functions were preserved. Chest angiography showed LA and left pulmonary artery (LPA) compression by a descending aortic aneurysm and an intramural hematoma with no evidence of PE evidence. Emergency surgery could not be done because of her financial status. She was treated medically and was discharged 1 ? week later with significant improvement. However she remained hypotensive.