Helical Computed Tomography (CT) of the aorta and its branches

Imaging of the aorta has greatly benefited from the recent development of h elical computed tomography. This noninvasive and widespread imaging techniq ue could be considered as a viable alternative to invasive modalities in ao rtic disease assessment, especially in the acute onset. Radiologists should be familiar with the principles of this technique and its clinical applica tions. This report develops technical aspects, typical and atypical feature s of a variety of noncongenital aortic diseases including dissections, aort ic trauma, aneurysms, nonaneurysmal atherosclerotic diseases and arteritis. The role of helical CT as noninvasive tool for imaging the aorta and its b ranches is compared to the other imaging methods.