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Penetrating aortic ulcers: diagnosis with MR imaging
E K Yucel1, F L Steinberg, T K Egglin
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Radiology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively identified penetrating aortic ulcers and intramural hematoma in patients with chest pain. MR imaging showed advantages over angiography and computed tomography (CT) in specific diagnostic aspects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) are a critical manifestation of aortic disease.
- Accurate diagnosis and characterization of PAUs are essential for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing and characterizing penetrating aortic ulcers.
- To compare the diagnostic performance of MR imaging with angiography and computed tomography (CT).
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with suspected penetrating aortic ulcers were studied using MR imaging.
- Angiography confirmed aortic ulcers in all patients; CT was performed in five.
- MR imaging findings were analyzed for intramural hematoma, ulceration, and rupture.
Main Results:
- MR imaging detected intramural hematoma and ulceration in most patients, with varying presentations.
- MR imaging excelled at depicting intramural thrombus extent compared to angiography.
- MR imaging differentiated acute intramural hematoma from plaque/chronic thrombus better than CT.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging is a valuable tool for evaluating penetrating aortic ulcers, offering detailed insights into intramural hematoma and ulceration.
- While MR imaging has limitations, it provides complementary information to conventional imaging modalities.