In cases of a dissecting aneurysm, which symptom is most commonly observed?

In cases of a dissecting aneurysm, which symptom is most commonly observed?

• A. Severe, sudden back pain
• B. Pulsatile abdominal mass
• C. Palpable abdominal thrill
• D. Intermittent claudication

Answer: (A)

In cases of a dissecting aneurysm, severe, sudden back pain is indeed the most commonly observed symptom. A dissecting aneurysm occurs when there is a tear in the innermost layer of the artery wall, creating a false lumen and leading to separation of the layers of the vessel wall. This condition can result in intense pain as the dissection progresses. The pain is typically described as sharp and severe, often radiating to the back or between the shoulder blades, which ties directly to the anatomical location of the aorta and the impact of the dissection. Other symptoms, such as a pulsatile abdominal mass, palpable abdominal thrill, and intermittent claudication, are less frequently associated with dissecting aneurysms. A pulsatile abdominal mass might indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm but is not specifically associated with dissection. A palpable abdominal thrill generally indicates turbulent blood flow and is not a common presentation in dissecting cases. Intermittent claudication relates to peripheral artery disease and is not a common symptom of a dissecting aneurysm. Thus, the critical and acute nature of the back pain serves as a prominent indicator of this serious condition.

In cases of a dissecting aneurysm, severe, sudden back pain is indeed the most commonly observed symptom. A dissecting aneurysm occurs when there is a tear in the innermost layer of the artery wall, creating a false lumen and leading to separation of the layers of the vessel wall. This condition can result in intense pain as the dissection progresses. The pain is typically described as sharp and severe, often radiating to the back or between the shoulder blades, which ties directly to the anatomical location of the aorta and the impact of the dissection.

Other symptoms, such as a pulsatile abdominal mass, palpable abdominal thrill, and intermittent claudication, are less frequently associated with dissecting aneurysms. A pulsatile abdominal mass might indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm but is not specifically associated with dissection. A palpable abdominal thrill generally indicates turbulent blood flow and is not a common presentation in dissecting cases. Intermittent claudication relates to peripheral artery disease and is not a common symptom of a dissecting aneurysm. Thus, the critical and acute nature of the back pain serves as a prominent indicator of this serious condition.