Patterns of aortic dissection: diagnosis by helical CT and its new applications

ABSTRACT

Acute aortic dissection is a challenging problem for cardiothoracic surgeons and radiologists. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to allow for adequate and proper management. Aim of the work The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of helical computed tomography and its new applications in the evaluation of aortic dissection with its typical and atypical patterns. Between November 1999 and February 2003, 86 patients underwent helical CT examination of the entire aorta for clinically suspected aortic dissection, of them 32 patients were positive for the clinical suspicion [23 patients males and nine patients were females, male-female ratio of 2.61]. Typical aortic dissection was diagnosed in 21 patients [65.6%] with 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Out of the 11 patients that were atypical [34.4%], three showed intramural haematoma, one showed penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer and two cases had ruptured type B dissection. Atypical configuration of the intimal flap was found in five patients. Helica1 computed tomography with its new application including the multiplanar reconstruction [MPR] provides an early and accurate diagnosis of aortic dissection