Copyright
©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Radiol. Jun 28, 2014; 6(6): 355-365
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i6.355
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i6.355
Multi-detector computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of acute aortic syndromes
James Thomas Patrick Decourcy Hallinan, Gopinathan Anil, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore
Author contributions: Hallinan JTPD and Anil G contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Gopinathan Anil, MD, FRCR, FAMS, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074, Singapore. ivyanil10@gmail.com
Telephone: +65-97-296614 Fax: +65-67-797101
Received: January 14, 2014
Revised: February 26, 2014
Accepted: April 17, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Revised: February 26, 2014
Accepted: April 17, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a spectrum of conditions, which may ultimately progress to potentially life-threatening aortic rupture. This syndrome encompasses aortic dissection (AD), intramural haematoma, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer and unstable thoracic aortic aneurysms. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is crucial in the diagnosis of AAS in the emergency setting due to its speed, accuracy and ready availability. This review will focus on the use of MDCT in AAS including the imaging protocols, spectrum of radiological findings, implications for planning and follow-up of endovascular and surgical treatment, and potential diagnostic pitfalls.