CT findings of dissecting aneurysm

CT study of 22 patients with surgically or aortographically proved aortic dissection were reviewed. Intimal flap, which was best demonstrated with bolus injection of contrast material, was seen in 15 patients. Displacement of intimal calcification, which was more often seen in elderly patients, was seen in 13 patients. The crescent shaped area of low density alone is not specific for dissecting aneurysm. However, its change in the caliber in the follow-up CT study suggests strongly possibility of dissecting aneurysm. (author)