Related Experiment Videos
[Diagnostic imaging of aortic diseases]
C A Nienaber1, Y von Kodolitsch
1Abteilung Innere Medizin, Kardiologie, Universitätskrankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg.
Der Radiologe
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Noninvasive imaging like transesophageal echocardiography, CT, and MRI are effective for diagnosing aortic diseases, replacing traditional angiography for acute aortic syndromes. These methods offer reliable diagnosis and follow-up for various aortic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Diagnostic Radiology
Background:
- Traditional angiography was the gold standard for diagnosing aortic diseases.
- Advancements in noninvasive imaging offer potential alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare noninvasive tomographic imaging modalities with angiography for acute and chronic aortic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of surface echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, X-ray computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
- Validation of noninvasive findings against angiography, intraoperative, and histopathological results.
Main Results:
- Transesophageal echocardiography, CT, and MRI are suitable for diagnosing aortic dissection in the thoracic aorta.
- These modalities show high sensitivity and specificity for various aortic pathologies, including intramural hemorrhage, ulcers, aneurysms, and congenital/traumatic lesions.
- Noninvasive methods are safe for critically ill patients and have largely replaced angiography for acute aortic syndromes.
Conclusions:
- Transesophageal echocardiography, CT (especially helical CT), and MRI are preferred diagnostic options for acute and chronic aortic diseases.
- Angiography should play a complementary role in acute aortic diseases.
- Noninvasive techniques are excellent for serial follow-up imaging in all aortic pathologies.