Acute thromboembolism associated with dissecting aneurysm of the aorta. Two case reports

Two cases of dissecting aortic aneurysm which presented as acute ischemia of the legs are reported. At operation, a fresh thrombus was found occluding vessels not involved in the dissection. While surgery relieved the acute arterial obstruction, both patients later died after rupture into the pericardium. A review of the literature revealed 1 similar case. Thromboembolism as a possible complication of dissecting aneurysm is discussed. These cases suggest that dissecting aneurysm should be included in the differential diagnosis when symptoms include an acutely ischemic limb.