Thoracic aortic aneurysm CT
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Thoracic aortic aneurysm Microchapters |
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Differentiating Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm from other Diseases |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Thoracic aortic aneurysm CT On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Thoracic aortic aneurysm CT |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Thoracic aortic aneurysm CT |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Computed tomography is the most effective method for measuring and monitoring the maximum outer diameter of a thoracic aortic aneurysm over long periods of time.
CT Findings
Computed tomography can accurately evaluate the thoracic aorta to determine the location and extent of the aneurysm, and the relationships with the surrounding blood vessels and organs. Characteristic findings include:
- Increase in aortic diameter
- Shift of calcification on the aortic wall
Computed tomography can be used to assess:
- For the presence of a dissection
- Size of aneurysm
- Mural thrombus
- Intramural hematoma
- A rupture (free and/or contained with a hematoma)
2010 ACC/ AHA Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Thoracic Aortic Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[1]
Aortic Imaging Techniques to Determine the Presence and Progression of Thoracic Aortic Disease
| Class I |
| "1. For measurements taken by computed tomographic imaging or magnetic resonance imaging, the external diameter should be measured perpendicular to the axis of blood flow. For aortic root measurements, the widest diameter, typically at the mid-sinus level, should be used. (Level of Evidence: C)" |
| "2. The finding of aortic dissection, aneurysm, traumatic injury and/or aortic rupture should be immediately communicated to the referring physician. (Level of Evidence:C)" |
CT Examples
Images shown below are courtesy of RadsWiki and copylefted.
References
- ↑ Hiratzka LF, Bakris GL, Beckman JA; et al. (2010). "2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with Thoracic Aortic Disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Radiology, American Stroke Association, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Vascular Medicine". Circulation. 121 (13): e266–369. doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e3181d4739e. PMID 20233780. Unknown parameter
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