Diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes : imaging and beyond

Acute aortic syndromes are fatal medical conditions including classic acute aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. Given the nonspecific symptoms and signs, a high clinical index of suspicion followed by an imaging study, namely transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (sensitivity 98-100% and specificity 95-100%), is a conditio sine qua non for prompt diagnosis of acute aortic syndromes. This article provides an overview of established and emerging approaches for the assessment of acute aortic syndromes, with focus on imaging and biomarkers. In this regard, D-dimer levels (cut-off: 500 ng/ml) may be useful to rule out aortic dissection, if used within the first 24 h after symptom onset.