Descending Aortic Dissection in an Elderly Weight Lifter

Abstract

Acute aortic dissections are rare but not uncommon. The etiology of aortic dissections has been attributed to collagen abnormalities or systemic hypertension. Prognosis is predi cated on a timely diagnosis, location of the dissection, and appropriate intervention. Dissections of the aorta associated with weight lifting have been described and tend to involve the ascending aorta in young male weight lifters. This report describes the second reported descending aortic dissection associated with weight lifting.

Aortic dissections associated with weight lifting are exceedingly rare; however, this entity may become more prevalent with an increase in exercise and cardiovascular condi tioning among all age groups.