A 55-year-old man has sudden tearing chest pain radiating to the back, and his blood pressure differs by 30 mmHg between the arms. Which test is the most appropriate next step in a stable patient?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. CT angiography of the chest and abdomen
- Step 1: The presentation suggests aortic dissection, which needs immediate imaging of the aorta.
Answer
CT angiography of the chest and abdomen.
Why not the others: A stress test could be dangerous in a dissection, and the other options delay the diagnosis.
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