Fever of Unknown Origin as a Primary Presentation of Chronic Aortic Dissection

Abstract

Fever of unknown origin is rare as a primary presentation of aortic dissection. We describe a 69-year-old female presenting with a sustained fever. A diagnosis of chronic type A aortic dissection was established by computed tomography. Replacements of the ascending aorta and part of the aortic arch were performed. Ten days after the operation, the patient had recurrent pyrexia. A large effusion in the left pleural cavity was found. After puncture aspiration and antibiotic treatment, she recovered. She was doing well at the 5½-year follow-up.