Some not too uncommon complications of Type B (distal) aortic dissection:
Malperfusion syndrome-occurs when the dissection flap occludes a major vessel (e.g. SMA occlusion leading to bowel infarction)
Occlusion of the spinal arteries and lower extremity arteries can lead to fleeting signs and symptoms-one minute they have left leg pain and ischemia, the next minute they don't. This is pretty classic for acute, distal aortic dissection.
Frank rupture (dissected aortic wall is weak and prone to aneurysm formation and subsequent rupture)
Assume that rupture has occurred (may be intrathoracic or intrabdominal) in a Type B patient who crashes unexpectedly
Retrograde extension into the proximal aorta is not common but does occur. Have a low threshold to whip out the sono if the patient deteriorates.
