Delayed visceral ischemia induced by type B aortic dissection

A 56-year-old man presented with a sudden severe abdominal pain 13 days after the onset of type B acute aortic dissection. Chest computed tomography revealed type B aortic dissection, and the true lumen was narrowed by the expanding false lumen. Blood flow through the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and left renal artery was reduced. Blood flow through the distal abdominal aorta and bilateral femoral arteries was clearly recognized. Laboratory findings such as transaminases were rapidly worsening.

The patient underwent emergency fenestration of the abdominal aorta and recovered without organ failure.

Rapidly worsening laboratory findings led us to emergency operation with successful results. Serial monitoring of laboratory findings is the key for adequate timing of operation.