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Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Abdominal aortic aneurysm CT

Introduction

Overview

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

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

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
  • 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
    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
    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)
    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

References

  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)

Cardiology

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