Profili di responsabilità professionale medica in corso di dissezione spontanea dell’aorta toracica

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition, therefore it is important to recognise and treat it early. Good management of aortic dissection minimises or avoids the sequelae associated with a late diagnosis, and may also reduce the risk of malpractice claims. The aim of this article was to evaluate errors ascribed to the physicians and to identify how the damages could be avoided. Some claim cases were selected and the following were analysed for each case: clinical management before and after diagnosis of aortic dissection, imputed errors and professional fault. Conclusions: guide-lines and practical instructions for in-hospital diagnosis should be considered mandatory, in order to help physicians and to minimise diagnostic errors and treatment delay