Abdominal aortic aneurysm CT scan

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2] Ramyar Ghandriz MD[3]

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.

CT scan

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

CT Examples

Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology:

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  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
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  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

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  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
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  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

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  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
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  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

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  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
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  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Copyleft image obtained courtesy of Radswiki:

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  CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm
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  CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm
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  CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm

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  CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm
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  CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm

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  CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm
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  CT: a large abdominal aortic aneurysm

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  Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
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  Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

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  Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
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  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)