Rapid detection of aortic occlusion with emergency ultrasonography

The differential diagnosis of aortic emergencies includes abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection. Aortic occlusion is another rare yet deadly vascular emergency to be wary of. For acute occlusions, definitive management by embolectomy or aortofemoral bypass must be performed promptly. When suspected because of the history and physical examination results, bedside ultrasonography rapidly confirms the diagnosis. We describe 2 very different cases of aortic occlusion both initially detected with bedside ultrasonography in our emergency department.