MDCT findings of aortic branch artery pseudoaneurysms associated with type B intramural haematoma.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate prevalence, morphological characteristics and evolution of aortic branch artery pseudoaneurysms associated with type B aortic intramural haematoma (IMH) using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).


METHODS
We enrolled 14 patients (nine men; mean age 64.6±9.6; range 42-75 years) with a diagnosis in the acute phase of type B IMH without evidence of intimal tear. All patients underwent clinical and MDCT follow-up.


RESULTS
Twenty-two pseudoaneurysms in six patients (6/14, 43%) were observed at MDCT. In the majority of patients (5/6, 83%) the pseudoaneurysms were multiple and involved the branches of the descending thoracic aorta (14/22, 64%), mainly the intercostal arteries (11/22, 50%). At a mean follow-up of 10.6±8.7 months, 21 pseudoaneurysms showed resolution, reduction or dimensional stability (95%), whereas only one increased in size (5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Aortic branch artery pseudoaneurysms associated with IMH may be considered a benign disease, as the majority of cases resolved or did not change in size, with haematoma resorption. However, because a dynamic change in pseudoaneurysms in the acute and subacute phases was frequently observed, close clinical and imaging follow-up is mandatory.
UOC Radiodiagnostica e Radiologia Interventistica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST, Monoblocco 1-F, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy. saraseitun@yahoo.com
S
S
Seitun
U G
UG
Rossi
F
F
Cademartiri
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E
Maffei
P
P
Cronin
C
C
Ferro
D M
DM
Williams
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
D003287:Contrast Media; C057937:iomeprol; D007479:Iopamidol