Abstract
Background
Acute aortic occlusion is a rare condition that requires early diagnosis to help prevent
considerable morbidity and mortality. Typical clinical findings, such as acute lower
extremity pain, acute paralysis, and absent pedal pulses, may be masked by a variety
of underlying medical conditions.
Case Report
We present a patient with altered mental status, hypothermia, and a large discrepancy
between oral and rectal temperature measurements, who was ultimately diagnosed with
aortic occlusion. This case report describes a marked difference between oral and
rectal temperatures in a case of acute aortic occlusion.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?
Acute aortic occlusion is a true vascular emergency that, without early intervention,
can lead to limb ischemia, bowel necrosis, paralysis, or death. Emergency physicians
should consider acute aortic occlusion in a patient with a marked difference between
oral and rectal temperature measurements who otherwise has a limited clinical evaluation.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 21, 2020
Accepted:
January 20,
2020
Received in revised form:
January 6,
2020
Received:
November 17,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
