Type A aortic dissection and pheochromocytoma: an indirect consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Type A aortic dissection is a cardiovascular emergency. Its incidence seems to have increased in the last few years; it is not clear whether this is a consequence of the ageing population or better awareness of the diagnosis (1). Acute type A aortic dissection is often lethal without urgent surgical treatment with mortality rates of around 17% (2). Pheochromocytomas are rare tumors, though often asymptomatic, they could be lethal if left untreated. The incidence is around 0.6 per 100,000 persons per year (3). The association of both aortic dissection and pheochromocytoma is rare. Here, we report a case of a 36-year old patient with pheochromocytoma and hypertension, whose delay of surgery due to the Covid-19 pandemic led to acute type A aortic dissection.

Case report: Pheochromocytoma complicated by type B aortic dissection

“…TBAD with pheochromocytoma or adrenal mass is very rare, and there is no relevant literature reporting the prevalence of the combination of the two. Previous studies suggest that pheochromocytomas are rare tumors that, although usually asymptomatic, can be fatal if left untreated ( 7 ). The annual incidence rate is approximately 0.6 per 100,000 individuals ( 2 ).…”