Detection of Inflammatory Aortopathies Using Multimodality Imaging

Diagnosis of the inflammatory aortopathies and importantly, their distinction in the later stages of disease from genetically mediated or acquired (degenerative) aortopathy remains a challenging clinical problem. Historically, the diagnosis of inflammatory aortopathy has required tissue sampling and pathological assessment. Although histological diagnosis remains an important diagnostic criterion, the ability to obtain sufficient tissue samples is problematic and requires invasive approaches that pose important risk. Continuing refinement in the capabilities of multimodality imaging, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography provides important insights into the broad spectrum of disease which comprise the inflammatory aortopathies. This review examines the current and emerging role of multimodality imaging in the evaluation of aortitis.