Acute type A aortic dissection with intestinal ischemia predicted by serum lactate elevation.

Mesenteric ischemia can complicate acute aortic dissection. We report a case of acute type A aortic dissection with perioperative intestinal ischemia, which clinically manifested on the second postoperative day. Serial monitoring of serum lactate level by a conventional blood gas analyzer was useful for early diagnosis and for timely treatment of intestinal ischemia. In this report, monitoring of serum lactate level as a key for the successful management of intestinal ischemia is suggested.