Abdominal aortic aneurysm CT

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Overview

Although CT scanning provides detailed anatomic information and is valuable in planning abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, it is not used as a screening tool because of the potential nephrotoxicity associated with the dye load, the cost, and the exposure to radiation.

Limitations of CT Scanning

The limitations include:

Potential nephrotoxicity associated with the dye load
Cost
Exposure to radiation
Suboptimal visualization of the origins of the aortic branch vessels
Occasionally, inaccurate localization of the aneurysmal neck^[1]

CT Examples

Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology:

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Copyleft image obtained courtesy of Radswiki:

CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm
CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm
CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm

CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm
CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm

CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm
CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
This patient presented with acute abdominal pain and hypotension. His non-contrast CT shows a large AAA and extensive periaortic haematoma. A thick (but subtle) hyperdense crescent is present within the aortic wall posteriorly and laterally which represents acute intramural hematoma, a sign of acute or impending rupture. (Image courtesy of Dr Donna D’Souza)

References

↑ Ernst, CB. (1993). “Abdominal aortic aneurysm”. N Engl J Med. 328 (16): 1167–72. doi:10.1056/NEJM199304223281607. PMID 8455684. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

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[Ernst-1993-1] Ernst, CB. (1993). “Abdominal aortic aneurysm”. N Engl J Med. 328 (16): 1167–72. doi:10.1056/NEJM199304223281607. PMID 8455684. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

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