Imaging of aortic dissection by helical computed tomography (CT)

Aortic dissection is the most frequent cause of aortic emergency, and its outcome is still frequently fatal. The management of this pathology has changed with the development of endovascular means. Nowadays, imaging modalities are helpful in management decision-making by providing information such as identification of entry tears along the aorta and involvement of the visceral branches of the abdominal aorta. Multi-slice CT scanning now appears to be the modality of choice for complete examination of the entire aorta. We review the parameters of image acquisition and contrast injection; appearances on CT of acute and chronic dissection are illustrated. Diagnostic pitfalls in CT imaging of acute dissection are discussed. Imaging of the post-surgical aorta and of chronic dissection is outlined. Intra-mural hematoma and penetrating aortic ulcer are subtypes of aortic dissection, and their appearances on CT scanning are also presented.