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Published on: March 28, 2025
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.
Abstract:
The term acute aortic syndrome comprises aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. The most recent developments in acute aortic syndromes include (1) a change in the mindset that each entity is pathologically distinct, with a shift toward considering the acute aortic syndromes as points along a spectrum of aortic disease, (2) the optimization of aortic imaging quality and radiation dose, and (3) surgical or endovascular management. This review article focuses on how these developments pertain to thoracic radiologists.
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