Simultaneous occurrence of acute aortic dissection and acute infective endocarditis in a patient with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease increases risk of cardiac complications. Concurrent aortic dissection and infective endocarditis is exceptionally rare. A 29-year-old male with hypertension and chronic kidney disease post-renal transplant presented with chest and back pain. Imaging revealed acute Stanford Type A aortic dissection. Emergency surgery also uncovered undiagnosed infective endocarditis. The patient underwent aortic root replacement and was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks postoperatively. He had an uneventful recovery without cardiac or infective complications. Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for concurrent cardiac complications in symptomatic chronic kidney disease patients, as prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial for good outcomes in these rare cases.