Computed tomography provided a definitive diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection in 8 of 11 cases, which included all 6 patients receiving an intravenous contrast bolus.
Does computed tomography provide a definitive diagnosis in patients presenting with thoracic aortic dissection?
Computed tomography, particularly when utilizing an intravenous contrast bolus, can provide a definitive diagnosis in patients with thoracic aortic dissection.
Eleven patients presenting with thoracic aortic dissection were studied by computed tomography (CT). CT was usually performed with knowledge of the angiographic diagnosis. In eight cases, CT was definitive. This group included all six patients who received intravenous contrast material by bolus infusion. An algorithmic approach to patients with possible aortic dissection is suggested.
Gross et al. (1980) studied this question. Computed tomography provided a definitive diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection in 8 of 11 cases, which included all 6 patients receiving an intravenous contrast bolus.