Prognosis of aortic intramural hemorrhage compared with classic aortic dissection

Aortic intramural hemorrhage is a subtype of aortic dissection in which the re is no false lumen.(1,2) Unenhanced and enhanced computed tomographic (CT ) images of aortic intramural hemorrhage are characterized by the absence o f an intimal flap and, false lumen, and eccentric (crescent-shaped) to circ umferential thickening of the aortic wall, seen as an area of increased bri ghtness.(1) Because the incidence of aortic intramural hemorrhage is report ed to be lower than that of aortic dissection with a false lumen, few studi es of the former type have been conducted in large groups of patients.(3) A s a consequence, much remains unknown about the clinical course of this for m of aortic dissection,(1,4) and there is considerable controversy surround ing its prognosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to elucida te the clinical picture and prognosis of aortic intramural hemorrhage.