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[Angiographic and CT diagnosis of aortic aneurysms (author's transl)]
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) and angiography are used to examine aortic aneurysms. While CT better visualizes vascular sclerosis and thrombi, neither method accurately determines aneurysm extension, especially in dissecting cases.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Radiology
Background:
- Aortic aneurysms pose significant diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate preoperative assessment of aneurysm extent is crucial for surgical planning.
- Both angiography and computed tomography (CT) are utilized for imaging aortic aneurysms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of angiography and computed tomography (CT) in evaluating aortic aneurysms.
- To assess the ability of these imaging modalities to determine the proximal and distal extension of aneurysms.
- To evaluate the visualization of vascular complications like dissection, sclerosis, and thrombi.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 patients with aortic aneurysms.
- Examination using both conventional angiography and computed tomography (CT).
- Comparison of image quality and diagnostic information provided by each modality.
Main Results:
- Dissection was identified in 10 out of 18 patients.
- Neither angiography nor CT could accurately determine the proximal and distal extension of the aneurysms.
- CT provided clearer visualization of vascular sclerosis and thrombi compared to angiography.
- Accurate visualization of vascular ramifications was not always achieved with CT.
Conclusions:
- Computed tomography (CT) offers advantages in visualizing certain pathological features of aortic aneurysms, such as sclerosis and thrombi.
- Despite its limitations, CT is recommended preoperatively for aortic aneurysms, particularly before angiography, due to its ability to visualize complications.
- Further advancements in imaging techniques are needed for precise determination of aneurysm extent, especially in complex dissecting aneurysms.
Abstract:
18 patients with aortic aneurysm were examined by angiography and computed tomography. Dissection was found in 10 Patients. It was not possible to accurately determine the proximal and distal extension of the aneurysms via any of the two methods. Vascular sclerosis and thrombi were more clearly visualised in the computer tomogram, but it was not always possible to accurately visualise vascular ramifications. In spite of the fact that the informative value of the computer tomogram is not always satisfactory if effected preoperatively, especially with dissecting aneurysms, a CT should be done as far as possible before angiography.