Acute aortic syndrome, aortic aneurysm and stenotic aortic disease are significant challenges for state-of-the art imaging of the aorta. Over the last decade, advanced imaging methods such as multidetector computed tomography, high-resolution ultrasound including color-coded Doppler and contrast-enhanced B-mode imaging and magnetic resonance imaging have assumed an important role in identifying and describing many of the complex aortic pathologies. They play a fundamental role in decision making for treatment such as endovascular, or open surgical or conservative treatment. In this overview, a systematic description of all present imaging modalities is presented and their respective roles for the entire spectrum of aortic diseases are illustrated and defined in their relevance. Furthermore, future aspects such as virtual reality methods are presented.
Keywords: Acute aortic syndrome; Aortic aneurysm; Aortic dissection; Imaging of the aorta.