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Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Mimics of Complications in the Postsurgical Aorta at CT
Daniel B Green1, Daniel Vargas1, T Brett Reece1
1Departments of Radiology (D.B.G., D.B.V.) and Surgery (T.B.R.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12401 E 17th St, Mailstop L954, Aurora, CO 80045; Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Mo (C.A.R.); Premier Radiology, Tupelo, Miss (W.R.J.); and Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY (Q.A.T.).
Abstract:
Various surgical techniques of the aorta result in expected imaging appearances on CT images that resemble complications such as pseudoaneurysm, perigraft abscess, and dissection. Awareness of these techniques, understanding the clinical situation in which they are performed, and familiarity with the typical appearances and locations of these mimics are essential for accurate interpretation. CT imaging techniques such as electrocardiographic gating and inclusion of a precontrast series can help distinguish an expected postsurgical finding from a complication. Information in the medical record, particularly the operative note, can clarify challenging cases with unusual imaging features. This review article provides examples of expected postsurgical findings at CT mimicking complications. © RSNA, 2019.
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