Computed Tomography Angiography for Aortic Diseases

Abstract

Aortic pathologies encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders, including acute aortic syndrome, traumatic aortic injury , aneurysm, aortitis, and atherosclerosis. The clinical manifestations of these disorders can be varied and non-specific, ranging from acute presentations in the emergency department to chronic incidental findings in an outpatient setting. Given the non-specific nature of their clinical presentations, the reliance on non-invasive imaging for screening, definitive diagnosis, therapeutic strategy planning, and post-intervention surveillance has become paramount. Commonly used imaging modalities include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and MR imaging. Among these modalities, computed tomography angiography (CTA) has emerged as a first-line imaging modality owing to its excellent anatomic detail, widespread availability, established imaging protocols, evidence-proven indications, and rapid acquisition time.

Keywords: Acute aortic syndrome; Aneurysm; Aorta; Aortic diseases; Aortic dissection; Computed tomography angiography (CTA); Traumatic aortic injury.