[Acute dissection of the descending aorta with ischemia of the limbs. Value of an axillofemoral bypass operation (author's transl)].

The authors describe a case of acute dissection of the descending aorta with continuation into the abdominal aorta, producing severe ischemia of the lower limbs and sensory-motor disturbances. An axillo-bi-femoral by-pass operation was performed leading to a revascularization syndrome with anuria and local edema. Good results were still apparent after one and a half years and the patient had started work again. Though a palliative operation, not treating the dissection, axillofemoral by-pass surgery appears to be indicated for distal ischemic lesions when the thoracic affection does not require urgent surgical invention.