ABSTRACT
Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the aorta is the diagnostic standard for a wide range of clinical indications, including acute aortic syndromes (aortic dissection and its variants, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers, leaking or unstable aneurysms, and trauma), as well as elective imaging for surgical or endovascular treatment planning, surveillance, and follow-up of aortic aneurysms, chronic dissections, and other pathologies, such as infectious or noninfectious aortitis. 336–338b Contrast enhancement is crucial for most indications to differentiate the lumen and the vessel wall. Diagnostic alternatives are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography (in particular transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)).
