Dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. A report of four cases

Four cases of dissecting aneurysm of the aorta are discussed. The clinical diagnosis depends on awareness, suspicion, an association of certain preceding conditions and an understanding of the varied manifestations. Sudden, sharp chest pain, aortic valvar involvement and peripheral arterial occlusion are practically diagnostic. A widening of the aortic arch, the exclusion of myocardial infarction electrocardiographically, and an aortogram are helpful in the diagnosis. A dissecting aneurysm of the aorta is an emergency requiring early diagnosis and surgical treatment to improve the survival rate of 10%. Medical treatment is to be preferred for the chronic type of dissection.