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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Three-Dimensional Printing of a Complex Aortic Anomaly
Published on: November 1, 2018
Uncommon congenital and acquired aortic diseases: role of multidetector CT angiography
Eric T Kimura-Hayama1, Gabriela Meléndez, Ana L Mendizábal
1Department of Radiology, Division of Computed Tomography, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano 1, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City, Mexico. erickimura@ctcardiomexico.com
Insights
Multidetector computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosing diverse aortic diseases, including rare congenital and acquired conditions. This advanced imaging technology aids in primary diagnosis, anatomical assessment, and complication evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Multidetector computed tomography (CT) is now the primary imaging modality for suspected aortic disease, superseding invasive angiography.
- Aortic diseases encompass a wide spectrum beyond atherosclerosis, including congenital and acquired conditions requiring specific diagnostic expertise.
- Familiarity with uncommon aortic pathologies and their multidetector CT findings is essential for radiologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of congenital and acquired aortic diseases and their multidetector CT manifestations.
- To highlight the utility of multidetector CT in diagnosing rare aortic conditions and associated cardiovascular anomalies.
- To emphasize the role of multidetector CT in evaluating complications of aortic disease and therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of multidetector CT findings for various congenital aortic anomalies (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation, vascular rings).
- Analysis of multidetector CT appearances of acquired aortic disorders (e.g., dissection extension, Marfan syndrome, vasculitis, mycotic aneurysms).
- Evaluation of multidetector CT for assessing complications related to therapeutic maneuvers (e.g., recoarctation, endoleaks).
Main Results:
- Multidetector CT effectively visualizes congenital aortic diseases including patent ductus arteriosus, hypoplasia, coarctation, interrupted arch, aortopulmonary window, common arterial trunk, supravalvular stenosis, and vascular rings.
- Multidetector CT demonstrates acquired conditions such as coronary artery dissection extension, Marfan syndrome, large-vessel vasculitis (Takayasu arteritis), and mycotic aneurysms.
- Multidetector CT is valuable for assessing post-therapeutic complications like recoarctation, stent-graft rupture, and endoleaks.
Conclusions:
- Multidetector CT serves as a vital tool for the primary diagnosis of a broad range of aortic diseases.
- This imaging modality accurately defines anatomical relationships and identifies associated cardiovascular anomalies.
- Multidetector CT is indispensable for follow-up evaluations and managing complications in patients with aortic disease.
Abstract:
State-of-the-art multidetector computed tomographic (CT) technology has replaced invasive angiography for evaluation of patients suspected to have aortic disease. Although most aortic disease is associated with atherosclerosis (ie, aneurysms and dissection), the spectrum of aortic disease is vast and includes various congenital and acquired entities. Radiologists should also be familiar with uncommon aortic diseases, which are divided into those that are congenital in origin and acquired disorders, and with their findings at multidetector CT. The first group includes patent ductus arteriosus, aortic hypoplasia, aortic coarctation, interrupted aortic arch, aortopulmonary window, common arterial trunk, supravalvular aortic stenosis, and vascular rings. The acquired disorders include aortic dissection due to extension of a coronary artery dissection, Marfan syndrome, large-vessel vasculitis such as Takayasu arteritis, and mycotic aneurysms. Finally, specific conditions associated with therapeutic maneuvers--such as recoarctation, stent-graft rupture, and endoleaks--can also be assessed with multidetector CT. Multidetector CT is an alternative tool helpful in establishing the primary diagnosis, defining anatomic landmarks and their relationships, and identifying associated cardiovascular anomalies. It is also an adjunct in the evaluation of complications during follow-up.
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