Physicians should be legally liable for missing an atypical aortic dissection: CON.

Failure to diagnose thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in patients may result in adverse legal implications for physicians. The difficulty in diagnosing the condition is well documented because of its relatively rare occurrence and its myriad manifestations; therefore it is unfair to expect physicians to recognize the symptoms and diagnose aortic disease at every occurrence. Compulsory screening for aortic disease in patients presenting with chest pain can increase the prospects of correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the disease. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.