Computed tomography in anomalies of thoracic aortic arch

Thoracic aortic anomalies including right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery, right aortic arch with left descending aorta, left cervical aortic arch were evaluated with CT-W3 scanner at the Fujita-Gakuen Health University Hospital during the period from April 1979 to May 1984. Conventional radiographic studies are raely diagnostic and a clear-cut distinction among cystic, solid or vessel lesion is often difficult. Computed tomography is able to display anatomy and pathology in the lung, mediastinum and the great vessels in the chest. Further, in cases in which plain radiography of the chest is not diagnostic and there is reclutance to perfom angiography, computed tomography could be easily used to detect the anomaly of thoracic aorta. The purpose of this study is to recognise presence of various types of thoracic aortic anomaly and to evaluate the diagnostic role of computed tomography as rapid and hazzard free diagnostic procedure. (author)