Duplex ultrasound of the abdominal aorta--a neglected tool in aortic dissection.
The use of duplex ultrasound for the diagnosis and assessment of abdominal aortic dissection and visceral arterial involvement is discussed. Ultrasound is simple and non-invasive and may be superior to aortography in diagnosis; it should be performed after ultrasound assessment of the aortic root. It also provides an effective means of follow-up evaluation if conservative treatment is employed. Three cases are discussed in whom there was no operative intervention. In one case, aortography failed to make a positive diagnosis of aortic dissection. The diagnosis was made by ultrasound in all three cases, one of whom was found subsequently to have Marfan's syndrome.
Thomas
E A
EA
Department of Radiology, Plymouth General Hospital.
Dubbins
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001027:Aortography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography