Application of multi-slice spiral CT angiography in aortic dissection

AIM:To investigate the clinical applicable value of multi-slice spiral CT angiography in aortic dissection. METHODS: 16-slice CT angiography was performed on 53 patients with aortic dissection. The volume data of all patients were reconstructed with the 3D techniques including multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), curved planar reformation (CPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP) and volume rendering (VR). RESULTS: Fifty-three cases included 15 cases of type I, 2 cases of typeⅡand 36 cases of type Ⅲ. Among them, 12 cases were aty-pical aortic dissection. Transverse images clearly showed intimal flap, entry tears and origination of branches. 3D reconstruction allowed a better definition of anatomical details. CONCLUSION: Multi-slice spiral CT angiography can fully display the details of aortic dissection and is therefore of important value for the diagnosis and preoperative and postoperative evaluations.