Updates on Computed Tomography Imaging in Aortic Aneurysms and Dissection

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is a primary imaging modality for the diagnosis of aortic diseases, because of its minimal invasiveness and agility.

Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial especially for acute aortic diseases, and the guidelines for acute aortic dissection recommend the use of CT for initial diagnosis. For the follow-up observation of longstanding aortic diseases, the strategy of imaging management by CT must be different from that for emergency and acute phases.

In this review, we document the differences in characteristics and clinical course between aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection and explain the use of recent CT techniques in diagnosing short- and longstanding aortic diseases.