Acute aortic syndromes: current status

Carole A Ridge1, Diana E Litmanovich

  • 1*Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland †Section of Thoracic Imaging, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.

Insights

Acute aortic syndromes, including aortic dissection and intramural hematoma, are now viewed as a disease spectrum. Advances in imaging and management are crucial for thoracic radiologists.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Thoracic Radiology
  • Aortic Diseases

Background:

  • Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) encompasses aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer.
  • Traditionally viewed as distinct entities, recent developments suggest AAS components lie on a disease spectrum.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in acute aortic syndromes.
  • To highlight the implications of these developments for thoracic radiologists.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on acute aortic syndromes.
  • Focus on imaging optimization and evolving management strategies.

Main Results:

  • A paradigm shift in understanding AAS as a spectrum of aortic disease.
  • Improvements in aortic imaging quality and radiation dose reduction.
  • Integration of surgical and endovascular treatment approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Thoracic radiologists must adapt to the spectrum concept of AAS.
  • Optimized imaging and understanding of management are key for accurate diagnosis and patient care.
  • The review emphasizes the evolving role of radiologists in managing AAS.

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