Aortic dissection detected by transoesophageal echocardiography

The diagnostic value of transoesophageal echocardiography was evaluated in 24 patients with aortic dissection and compared to transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography, computer tomography, aortography, surgery and autopsy. Using transoesophageal echocardiography we found in 5 patients a type I dissection, in 5 patients a type II and in 14 patients a type III dissection. Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography was positive in 3/5 type I, 2/5 in type II and 2/14 in type III dissections. Computer tomography was unable to demonstrate an intimal flap in 1/2 patients with type I, 2/3 type II and 1/11 type III dissections. Aortography was negative in 1/4 type I, 3/5 type II and 3/12 patients with type III dissection. Additional information concerning thrombus formation, localisation of the entry tear, differentiation between true and false lumen, flow dynamics within the true and false lumen as well as accompanying aortic regurgitation may be obtained by transoesophageal echocardiography.