title: CT and MRI in diseases of the aorta.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This review focuses on the role of CT and MRI in the diagnosis, follow-up, and surgical planning of aortic aneurysms and acute aortic syndromes, including aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating aortic ulcer. It also provides a systematic approach to the definition, causes, natural history, and imaging principles of these diseases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An understanding of the pathophysiology, natural history, and imaging features is the key to successful diagnosis and appropriate management of patients with these aortic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, TCC-4, Boston, MA 02215, USA. dlitmano@bidmc.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Litmanovich
authors.forename: Alexander A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Bankier
authors.forename: Luce
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cantin
authors.forename: Vassilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Raptopoulos
authors.forename: Phillip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Boiselle
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology*; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*