title: Motion characterization of aortic wall and intimal flap by ECG-gated CT in patients with chronic B-dissection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate whether dynamic computed tomography (CT)-imaging can provide functional vessel information in patients with chronic aortic dissection type Stanford-B (ADB).
  
  
  METHODS
  In 32 patients, ECG-gated CT-angiography images were obtained. Cross-sectional area change and wall distensibility were investigated by semiautomatic vessel area segmentation at the end of aortic arch. Significance of distensibility differences was tested with regard to the aortic diameter, and the oscillation of the intimal flap was analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The aorta could be segmented successfully in all patients. These were separated into three subgroups: (A) 6 patients with an aortic diameter <4 cm and without a visible intimal flap, (B) 9 patients with an aortic diameter <4 cm, and (C) 17 individuals with an aortic diameter > or = 4 cm; (B) and (C) having a visible intimal flap. Differences in distensibility between the subgroups were not significant. Overall mean distensibility was D(tot)=(1.3+/-0.6) x 10(-5) Pa(-1). Analysis of intimal flap oscillation showed a pulsatile short axis diameter decrease of the true lumen of up to 29%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dynamic, ECG-gated CT-angiography can demonstrate pulsatile changes in aortic area and a highly variable motion of the intimal flap. Aortic distensibility appears independent of diameter or presence of a intimal flap. Follow-up studies may show correlation with possible complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. m.ganten@dkfz-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: Maria-Katharina
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Ganten
authors.forename: Tim F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: von Tengg-Kobligk
authors.forename: Dittmar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Böckler
authors.forename: Wolfram
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stiller
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Geisbüsch
authors.forename: Günter W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Kauffmann
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Delorme
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bock
authors.forename: Hans-Ulrich
authors.initials: HU
authors.lastname: Kauczor
mesh_terms: D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods*; D055424:Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*