ABSTRACT
Objective To summarize the image features of primary retrograde type A aortic dissection by CTA examination, aiming to improve the precise diagnosis of this type of specific aortic dissection, and to provide imaging evidence for subsequent therapies.Methods The CTA data of 17 patients with primary retrograde type A aortic dissection treated in Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command from January 2010 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.The image features including the dissection type, the location and quantity of intimal tear, the aorta involving area, and the origin of branch vessels were analyzed.Results Nine cases of the total 17 patients had pericardial/pleural effusion.Fourteen patients showed intramural hematoma in ascending aorta, while 3 patients showed active blood flow and thrombosis formation in false lumen of ascending aorta.Five patients showed aortic ulcers and intramural hematoma in descending aorta, and the other 12 patients showed typical dissection image with active blood flow in both true and false lumen,among the 12 patients, there were obvious intimal separations observed in 11 cases, while multiple aortic ulcers in 1 case.Abdominal aorta was involved in l0 cases of the above 11 patients.All of the abdominal branch vessels were originated from true lumen in 2 of the 10 patients,and the other 8 patients showed 1-2 vessels originated from false lumen.Conclusion Primary retrograde type A aortic dissection is relatively rare.However,specific imaging features different from typical aortic dissection can be observed in this type of aortic lesion.Careful viewing of CTA image is extremely necessary for accurate diagnosis.