title: CT of nontraumatic thoracic aortic emergencies.
abstract: Computed tomography (CT), especially multidetector row CT (MDCT), is often the preferred imaging test used for evaluation of nontraumatic thoracic aortic abnormalities. Unenhanced images, usually followed by contrast-enhanced arterial imaging, allow for rapid detailed aortic assessment. Understanding the spectrum of acute thoracic aortic conditions which may present similarly (aortic dissection, aneurysm rupture, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, intramural hematoma) will ensure that patients are diagnosed and treated appropriately. Familiarity with imaging protocols and potential mimics will prevent confusion of normal anatomy and variants with aortic disease.
authors.affiliation: Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 South Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. bhallas@mir.wustl.edu
authors.forename: Sanjeev
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhalla
authors.forename: O Clark
authors.initials: OC
authors.lastname: West
mesh_terms: D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D013577:Syndrome; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods