The carotid pulse in dissecting aneurysm of the aorta

In five patients with acute aortic type I dissection a deep early systolic notch was recorded on the carotid pulse tracing. This peculiar feature of the carotid pulse was quite comparable to the aspect of the continuous wave Doppler ultrasound recorded along the carotid arteries. It can be explained by the temporary interruption of blood flow caused by false lumen in the artery. Therefore the carotid pulse can provide to the clinician a good help to the diagnosis of aortic dissection especially in case of nontypical presentation.