Acute aortic dissection provoked by sneeze: a case report

Abstract

The role of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is controversial, in contrast to its well established benefits in other types of respiratory failure, especially acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. We report a case of ARDS caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a 70 year old man, treated with NIPPV in addition to standard medical therapy and analyse current evidence regarding the role of NIPPV in patients with ARDS.

Sneeze reflex: facts and fiction

“…Complications pertaining to this high pressure have been reported in literature. These complications include acute aortic dissection, cerebral venous thrombosis, loss of hearing due to fracture footplate, abortus, orbital emphysema, pneumocephalus, acute wide-angle glaucoma, pneumatocele of the lacrimal sac, retinal hemmorhagia and costal fracture reported in a patient with osteoporosis [Birkent et al 2008;Fonseca et al 2007;Baydin et al 2005;Gonzalez, 2005;Gonzalez and Baydin, 2005;Whitehead, 1999;Sharir et al 1992;Rochels et al 1989]. …”

A rare case of aortic dissection presenting as pure transient global amnesia

“…Transient episodes of increased intrathoracic pressure can potentially precipitate AD. 9 Similarly, transient episodes of increased intrathoracic pressure due to the Valsalva manoeuvre have been noted to be a precipitating factor of TGA. Ultrasound studies during the Valsalva manoeuvre demonstrate a reduction in lumen diameter of the superior vena cava due to increased intrathoracic pressure, which causes obstruction of the venous blood flow transmitting venous back pressure towards the brain.…”

A sneeze: an unusual trigger for aortic dissection

“…In addition to one report of AD,9 there have also been reports of intraocular, intracranial and intra-abdominal haemorrhages following sneezing 10 11…”