Imaging of Thoracic Intercostal Artery Rupture during the Propagation of a Type B Acute Aortic Syndrome

 

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Abstract

The natural history of an intramural hematoma (IMH) has not been completely defined. This is a case report of a 63-year-old woman, in whom imaging reveals intercostal artery rupture during the process of expansion of an IMH in a Type B acute aortic syndrome. This case demonstrates that intercostal artery rupture may act as a precursor for the transformation of IMH to a classical dissection. Interestingly, complete resolution of this condition is achieved through medical management.

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