CURRENT DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES FOR DISSECT ION OF THE AORTA

Imaging techniques: Dissection of the aorta is a medicosurgical emerge ncy whose prognosis has greatly improved with the development of relia ble bedside diagnostic tools such as transthoracic and transesophageal ultrasonography. Typical forms: The most common form involves the asc ending aorta. These patients must be referred to a cardiac surgery uni t as rapidly as possible. The aim of the surgical procedure is to repl ace the ascending aorta due to the high risk of rupture and if possibl e, resect the tear entry. Doubtful cases: Other explorations should be requested in case of doubt. Computerized tomography, magnetic resonan ce imaging or angiography may provide the diagnosis. The appropriate e xploration depends on the patient's clinical status, transportability and local equipment. (C) 1998, Masson, Paris.