Q: In acute Aortic Dissection at least which three vessels should always be examined for pulse deficits?


Answer: 

• Carotid
• Brachial
• Femoral 

Higher the number of pulse deficits in acute aortic dissesction, higher the chances of mortality within 24 hours of presentation. Pulse deficit in acute aortic dissection occurs either due to intimal flap or compression by hematoma. As expected, it is more common with aortic arch or thoracoabdominal aortic dissection.


Reference: 

Bossone E, Rampoldi V, Nienaber CA, et al. Usefulness of pulse deficit to predict in-hospital complications and mortality in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. Am J Cardiol 2002; 89:851.