Dissecting aneurysm produced by diet.

Spontaneous dissecting aneurysm of the aorta in man is most commonly a sequel of hypertension but sometimes occurs in association with degenerative liquefaction of the media of the aorta. New light has been thrown upon dissecting aneurysm by its production in growing rats by a diet high in sweet peas. The offending agent has been isolated and a number of simpler related compounds have been synthesized and found effective. The relationship of this syndrome to a spontaneous dissecting aneurysm of the aorta in man is reviewed and some suggestions are made for investigation which may lead to newer methods of therapy.