[Non-invasive diagnosis of dissecting aneurysm of the aorta]

Possibilities of noninvasive radial diagnostics were studied in examination of 27 patients with dissecting aneurysms of the aorta. Classical X-ray examinations of chest organs have diagnosed aorta wall dissection in 2 of 24 patients. In 19 patients the diagnosis of aorta dissection was suspected. The ultrasound examination gave correct diagnosis in 3 of 4 patients examined. The non-contrast computed tomography has revealed dissecting aneurysms in 8 of 24 patients, an investigation with the intravenous injection of the contrast substance--in 13 of 15 patients. The diagnosis was based upon the detection of 2 canals of the aorta with the dissected intima between them, thrombosis of the false aorta canal and accumulation of the liquid in the pleura and pericardium cavity. When planning operative procedures it becomes necessary to perform aortography.