Imaging Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Radiol Clin North Am. 2020 Jul;58(4):721-731. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2020.02.009. Epub 2020 May 12.

Abstract

High-quality aortic imaging plays a central role in the management of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are the most commonly used techniques for thoracic aortic aneurysm diagnosis and imaging surveillance, with each having unique strengths and limitations that should be weighed when deciding patient-specific applications. To ensure optimal patient care, imagers must be familiar with potential sources of artifact and measurement error, and dedicate effort to ensure high-quality and reproducible aortic measurements are generated. This review summarizes the imaging evaluation and underlying pathology relevant to the diagnosis of thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Keywords: Aneurysm; Aorta; Aortopathy; Ectasia; Thoracic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed* / methods