New diagnostic aspects in aortic aneurysms with special regard to CT investigations

Computerized tomography (CT), sonography with B-scan and DSA have improved the diagnostic capabilities for aneurysms of the aorta and the related complications. CT is of very high diagnostic importance. Compared to DSA it is not invasive and allows an evaluation of more than the internal aortic wall, eliminating the need for preoperative arteriography in a number of cases. This becomes more and more apparent with the widespread use of DSA. Arteriography and/or DSA remain significant for the judgement of great vessels starting in the region of the aneurysm. Ultrasonography should always be preceded by clinical investigation, that can be regarded as a filter for the confirmation or total rejection of a suspected aneurysm. This implies the knowledge of methodic problems of sonography in the thoracic region. (author)