Advancement of multidetector computed tomography in evaluating the high-risk imaging features of acute aortic syndrome

Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a spectrum of diseases comprising acute aortic dissection, intramural haematoma, symptomatic penetrating aortic ulcers, traumatic aortic dissection, and unstable thoracic aortic aneurysm. It is progressive with high mortality. The high-risk imaging features of AAS can be evaluated dynamically and quantitatively with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). In this paper, we reviewed the pathological mechanisms and typical CT manifestations of AAS, from lesion location, size, scope of involvement, presence of complications, and the changes in followup to introduce the high-risk image features, and distinguish signs may provide the basis for treatment. (authors)