Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers of the descending thoracic aorta: evaluation with CT and distinction from aortic dissection.

摘要: Penetrating atherosclerotic ulceration of the aorta is a poorly understood entity that clinically mimics classic aortic dissection but has imaging features are distinctly different. In review 16 patients with penetrating ulceration, were typically hypertensive (n = 14), and they experienced chest or back pain 13). All had an abnormal radiograph, diffuse 14) focal 2) enlargement descending thoracic aorta. Features at contrast material-enhanced computed tomography (CT) included intramural hematoma 16), ulcer 15), displaced intimal calcification 13), pleural and/or extrapleural fluid 7), mediastinal 4), thick enhancing wall 6). The radiograph CT findings compared in treated conservatively 9) surgically 7). These did not correlate need for surgery. Eight nine asymptomatic after t...