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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions
Published on: March 8, 2019
CT and MRI in diseases of the aorta
Diana Litmanovich1, Alexander A Bankier, Luce Cantin
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, TCC-4, Boston, MA 02215, USA. dlitmano@bidmc.harvard.edu
Insights
This review highlights the use of CT and MRI for diagnosing and managing aortic aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes. Understanding disease features is crucial for effective patient care and treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Aortic aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes pose significant clinical challenges.
- Accurate diagnosis and management are critical for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of CT and MRI in aortic diseases.
- To provide a systematic approach to understanding these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of CT and MRI applications.
- Discussion of disease definitions, causes, and natural history.
Main Results:
- CT and MRI are essential for diagnosis, follow-up, and surgical planning.
- Imaging findings correlate with disease pathophysiology.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pathophysiology, natural history, and imaging is key.
- Effective diagnosis and management rely on comprehensive knowledge.
Objective:
This review focuses on the role of CT and MRI in the diagnosis, follow-up, and surgical planning of aortic aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes, including aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating aortic ulcer. It also provides a systematic approach to the definition, causes, natural history, and imaging principles of these diseases.
Conclusion:
An understanding of the pathophysiology, natural history, and imaging features is the key to successful diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with these aortic diseases.
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