Computer-generated 3D representations of the aorta: a new tool in the management of aortic aneurysm patients

In order to facilitate care of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms, we have developed a computer program which allows three dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the aorta from serial sections of CT scans. Each completed study, which can be displayed on a single data sheet, provides a 3D drawing of the aorta, the diameter of each aortic slice, the volume of each aortic segment, the total volume and surface area of the aorta, and a quantity we have called the tortuosity index. The method enables appreciation of transverse as well as longitudinal increases in aneurysm size, and eccentricities in aortic pathology can easily be recognized. The data are stored on floppy discs: this allows a second program to provide comparisons of the important findings from multiple and long-term serial CT studies.