Acute aortic pathologies include acute aortic syndrome (aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, penetrating aortic ulcer), impending rupture, aortic aneurysm rupture and aortic trauma. Acute aortic syndrome, aortic aneurysm rupture and aortic trauma are life-threatening conditions requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. The basic imaging modality for "acute aorta" is CT angiography with typical findings for these aortic pathologies. Based on the CT, it is possible to classify aortic diseases and anatomical classifications are essential for the planning of treatment. Currently, endovascular treatment is the method of choice for acute diseases of the descending thoracic aorta and is increasingly indicated for patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Keywords: CT angiography; acute aortic syndrome; aortic aneurysm rupture; aortic dissection; endovascular treatment; intramural hematoma; penetrating aortic ulcer.