ACUTE AORTIC DISSECTION - TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL IMAGING FEATURES

Citation
Er. Fisher et al., ACUTE AORTIC DISSECTION - TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL IMAGING FEATURES, Radiographics, 14(6), 1994, pp. 1263-1271
Citations number
27
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology,Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Journal title
ISSN journal
02715333
Volume
14
Issue
6
Year of publication
1994
Pages
1263 - 1271
Database
ISI
SICI code
0271-5333(1994)14:6<1263:AAD-TA>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is the most common emergency affecting t he aorta. Noninvasive imaging allows prompt and reliable diagnosis of AAD and has largely supplanted aortography. However, atypical imaging features and diagnostic pitfalls can delay lifesaving therapy. An inti mal flap is the characteristic feature of AAD. If there is flow within both lumina, typical imaging features are probably present. If the fa lse lumen is thrombosed or there is no intimal tear to permit flow thr ough the false lumen, a distinct intimal flap may not be present. Seco ndary signs of AAD include an intramural or periaortic acute thrombus, which manifests as a high-attenuation cuff or crescent on unenhanced computed tomographic scans. Other conditions that can reduce the consp icuity of the intimal flap include atypical configurations of the flap , such as seen with short dissections or with multiple false channels, in which case the flaps are complex. Finally, aortic anomalies may ca use confusion.