Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

Vascular diseases of the thorax: evaluation with multidetector CT

Caroline Chiles1, J Jeffrey Carr

  • 1Division of Radiological Sciences, Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. cchiles@wfubmc.edu

Radiologic Clinics of North America
|April 26, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Multidetector CT is now the preferred imaging method for diagnosing aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism. Future advancements may extend CT

Area of Science:

  • Radiology and Medical Imaging
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Thoracic Imaging

Background:

  • Thoracic vascular diseases requiring radiologic interpretation include aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, and coronary artery disease.
  • Multidetector CT (MDCT) has significantly advanced thoracic imaging capabilities.
  • Angiography was historically the gold standard for many vascular assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight essential thoracic vascular diseases for radiologists.
  • To emphasize the role of MDCT in diagnosing specific vascular conditions.
  • To discuss the evolving use of CT in evaluating coronary artery disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical practice regarding thoracic vascular imaging.
  • Assessment of MDCT's diagnostic performance for aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism.
  • Discussion of CT's potential for coronary artery disease evaluation.

Main Results:

  • MDCT is the imaging modality of choice for aortic dissection and acute pulmonary embolism.
  • CT offers high spatial resolution, enabling detailed visualization of thoracic vasculature.
  • The transition from angiography to CT for these conditions has occurred over the past decade.

Conclusions:

  • Radiologists must be proficient in interpreting CT scans for key thoracic vascular diseases.
  • MDCT has become indispensable for diagnosing aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism.
  • CT is poised to become a primary tool for coronary artery disease assessment in the coming years.

More Related Videos

Improved Registration of 3D CT Angiography with X-ray Fluoroscopy for Image Fusion During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation06:59

Improved Registration of 3D CT Angiography with X-ray Fluoroscopy for Image Fusion During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Published on: June 3, 2018

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...