The use of CT scanning in the evaluation of aortic aneurysms

CT scannings were performed on 10 cases of aortic aneurysms including 5 cases of dissecting aneurysms and the results were compared with those of the aortography and the surgical findings. The CT scannings could document the aortic dissections in all of the 5 cases with dissecting aneurysms. With contrast enhancement, we could sharply define obliterated false channels in 2 cases and dissecting walls, blood filled true and false channels in 3 cases. And in the later 3 cases, the CT scannings could localize the site of entry or reentry in 2 cases. In 2 cases of aortic aneurysms involving major branches of aorta (Left common carotid artery, Celiac artery), the evaluation of the relationship between the major branches and the aneurysms was better accomplished by CT scannings than the aortography. This study demonstrated that CT scanning is very useful in determining the existence and the extent of aortic dissection, the site of entry or reentry and the relationship between major aortic branches and aneurysmal process. We conclude that CT scanning is an essential diagnostic means to evaluate aortic aneurysms. (author)