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Aorta Rupture: Bengal's Deadly, Undiagnosed Crisis
25 May
Summary
- Aortic dissection is a fatal condition often misdiagnosed in Bengal.
- Symptoms like severe chest pain are frequently overlooked by doctors.
- Prompt treatment significantly increases survival chances for patients.
Aortic dissection, a condition where the main artery's inner wall ruptures, is a significant cause of death in Bengal, yet it remains critically underdiagnosed and delayed in treatment. Experts convened at the 4th Eastern India Aortic Conclave in Kolkata, noting that this ailment can be more rapid and lethal than a heart attack.
Cardiac surgeon Atanu Saha explained that patients experience sudden, excruciating chest and back pain, often gasping for breath. These symptoms are frequently misattributed, leading doctors to miss the aortic connection. This delay is perilous, as a four-hour lapse can reduce survival chances by 85%.
Despite the grim statistics, several individuals shared stories of survival. Survivors like Aniruddha Gupta, Aditya Nasakar, Somini Sen Dua, and Meera Vehati underwent emergency surgeries, some after significant diagnostic delays. Approximately 20 such life-saving surgeries are performed annually in Kolkata, underscoring the ongoing need for awareness and timely intervention.
