The Diagnosis of Thoracic Aortic Dissection by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

pp 461-463

Abstract

Acute thoracic aortic dissection carries a high mortality which in part is related toa non-expeditius treatment. Therefore a definite diagnosis of this entity is mandatory and should be made as fast as possible. Up to recently, contrast angiography was considered the gold standard procedure. Recently, transesophageal echocardiography, contrast enhanced C.T. scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging have become the diagnostic strategies of choice in investigation aortic dissection. Two cases of acute aortic dissection (types A and B) and its complication (pericardial effusion in type A) were established by magnetic resonance imaging allowing expeditious treatment.