Thoracic aortic aneurysm CT

Thoracic aortic aneurysm Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

CT

Computed tomography is the most effective method for indicating the aneurysms maximum diameter and monitoring the diameter over long periods of time.

• CT scans 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

CT scans can efficiently assess:

• A dissection
• Size of aneurysm
• Mural thrombus
• Intramural hematoma
• A rupture (free and/or contained with a hematoma)