title: CT and MRI assessment of the aortic root and ascending aorta.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We provide an outline of aortic anatomy and disease patterns, describe methods of aortic measurement, and highlight measurement thresholds for surgical intervention. We also discuss findings that can assist in preoperative planning and in detecting underlying connective tissue disorders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A standardized approach to the measurement of the aorta is needed and features suggestive of an underlying connective tissue disorder should be recognized. Radiologists should be aware of the image limitations and clinical implications of reported measurements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA. freeman.laura@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Phillip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.forename: Eric E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: Charles J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: Kevin L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Greason
mesh_terms: D001011:Aorta / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055424:Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*