[Paraplegia associated with acute aortic dissection complicated with pulmonary embolism and re-dissection]

Paraplegia associated with acute aortic dissection is one of the most serious complications. We experienced a case of Stanford type A acute aortic dissection with paraplegia and cardiac tamponade because the dissection was already thrombosed, conservative therapy was chosen. After drainage of pericardial effusion, a spinal drainage tube was inserted. Eleven days later, pulmonary embolism and re-dissection occurred, and an emergency operation was performed. Although the operation was successful, paraplegia did not improve. Even if type A acute aortic dissection is complicated with paraplegia, early surgical repair of aortic dissection should be considered, when paraplegia does not improve rapidly in spite of treatment.