SPIRAL CT OF ACUTE ABDOMINAL AORTIC-ANEUR YSM WITH OPTIONAL S-D-RECONSTRUCTION

43 of 46 consecutive patients with suspected rupture of abdominal aort ic aneurysm could be examined by spiral CT. Rupture of an abdominal ve ssel was found in 18 patients and proved by surgery. Size and extent o f the aneurysm, rupture, dissection and vascular occlusion were demons trated quickly and precisely by spiral CT, planning of surgical interv ention could be optimized. Using spiral CT unnecessary explorative lap arotomies could be avoided in 25 patients. In addition spiral CT offer s the possibility of multiplanar reconstruction images with spatial vi sualisation of the vascular system. In 8 patients DSA offered no advan tage in comparison with 3-D reconstruction images. Spiral CT meets all requirements for quick and reliable diagnosis in suspected rupture of abdominal vessels. Other imaging modalities like digital subtraction angiography are not necessary for evaluation of abdominal aortic aneur ysms.