title: Diagnostic imaging for aortic dissection.
abstract: Diagnostic imaging for aortic dissection has dramatically changed in recent years. Previously, imaging consisted of conventional X-ray radiography, followed by invasive catheter angiography. Now imaging of dissection is performed primarily with multidetector CT, and to a lesser extent, with ultrasound and MRI. Catheter angiography is used primarily as a means of treating complications. Which modality to choose depends on patient factors, physician preference, and differences in availability of state-of-the-art equipment. All three modalities are highly accurate in experienced hands and have revolutionized the detection and evaluation of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Mecklenburg Radiology Associates, Charlotte, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kapustin
authors.forename: Harold I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Litt
mesh_terms: D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001027:Aortography; D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed