Computed tomography for follow-up of chronic aortic dissections

Patients who have chronic dissections of the aorta are prone to re-dissection, extension of dissection, aortic aneurysm, and aortic rupture. Computed tomography (CT) with contrast enhancement provides a convenient, noninvasive method for follow-up of these patients. We used CT in a group of twelve patients who were treated for aortic dissection. CT demonstrated re-dissection, aneurysmal dilation of the aorta, and delayed filling of the false lumen. CT also showed persistent patency of the false lumen in almost all of the postoperative cases.