Lower-extremity ischemia in aortic dissection. Report of three cases

Reports are presented of three hypertensive men with aortic dissection and signs of peripheral (leg) ischemia. The dissection was of type III b in two cases and type I in one case. Hypotensive medication was given in all cases, but in two of them peripheral vascular surgery became necessary to re-establish the circulation, while in the third case the hypotensive treatment sufficed for improvement of the leg circulation. Collaboration between thoracic and vascular surgeons can be of value in cases of aortic dissection with peripheral ischemia.