RESUMO
The authors reported a patient who had type A aortic dissection presenting with sudden onset of right hemiplegia and depressed consciousness. CT scan of brain showed acute cerebral infarction of left corona radiata, posterior limb of left internal capsule combined with left hemispheric brain swelling. An old cerebral infarction at the posterior limb of right internal capsule was also noted Clinical signs of aortic regurgitation and difference in blood pressures and amplitude of pulses on both arms were associated. Initial chest x-ray revealed widening of the mediastinum. CT scan of chest revealed dissecting aorta extending from the ascending aorta to the mid of the descending aorta. Surgical correction of the aorta was refused and the patient was treated medically with partial neurological deficit. No additional cardiovascular events occurred.