A Case in Which Focal Convulsion Was the Initial Sign of Fatal Aortic Dissection

Abstract

Focal convulsion as an initial sign of aortic dissection is extremely rare. Type A aortic dissection involves the aortic arch, which may result in seizure either through the extension of the dissection into the common carotid arteries or through thromboembolism or cerebral hypoperfusion. Physicians should perform whole body computed tomography to determine whether or not dissection is present when treating patients with convulsion and a high level of fibrin degradation products.