Focal dissection and rupture of left atherosclerotic subclavian artery: a rare cause of haemothorax

We report a rare case of a focally dissected and ruptured atherosclerotic left subclavian artery leading to haemothorax. A man in his 50 s who suffered from hypertension and gout was found dead in bed unexpectedly. Postmortem examination showed a focally dissected and ruptured atherosclerotic left subclavian artery with relatively disease-free aorta and major branches. Although theoretically possible, focal atherosclerosis of left subclavian artery compounded by hypertension causing focal dissection and rupture is not previously reported in literature.

Automated summary

We present a rare case of a ruptured atherosclerotic left subclavian artery with focal dissection leading to haemothorax. The autopsy findings showed a localised dissection and rupture of the left subclavian artery with minimal atherosclerosis in the aorta and major branches. This is the first reported case of focal atherosclerosis in the left subclavian artery compounded by hypertension causing focal dissection and rupture.