The clinical application of spiral CT in aortic diseases

Objective To study the clinical diagnostic value of spiral CT angiography in aortic di seases. Materials and Methods 22 patients with aortic diseases (11 aneurysm, 1 pseudoaneurysm, 7 dissection, 2 coarctation, 1 aorto-arteritis) were performed by spiral CT. SSD(Shaded surface display),MPR(Multiplanar reconstruction), MIP(Maximum intensity projection) and CTVE(CT virtual endoscopy) were used. Results SSD showed panorama of the lesion, the size and extent of aneurysm, intimal flap of dissection and the relation with arterial branches. MPR could display mural thrombus, flap, true and false lumen. MIP clearly showed the wall calcification and extent of aneurysm. CTVE could reveal the true and false lumen, flap and stenosis of arterial branches. Conclusions Application of combined techniques of spiral CT can basically replace X ray angiography in the diagnosis of aortic diseases. It provides another reliable modality for clinics.