Dissecting out the cause: a case of concurrent acute myocardial infarction and stroke.

Acute type I aortic dissection is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition requiring prompt recognition of symptoms and generally surgical intervention. A history of chronic hypertension is the major predisposing risk factor for aortic dissection. Commonly patients experience acute chest pain, but myocardial infarction or stroke due to the dissection involving the coronary or carotid arteries are rare and serious life-threatening complications. The authors describe the case of a 60-year-old male presenting with concomitant features of acute myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident resulting from an extensive acute aortic dissection.