Imaging-CT thorax

Question 1

Identify the different parts of the CT thorax

Answer 1

Question 2

What kind of CT scan will you request for someone with a suspected acute aortic syndrome?

What kind of CT scan will you request for someone with a suspected aortic root dissection?

Answer 2

Non contrast CT scan- allows you to see subtle changes like intramural haematoma but you wont be able to see intimal flap
Arterial contrast CT scan- allows you to see intimal flap clearly

For suspected aortic root dissection, request for ECG gated CT thorax to eliminate pulsation artifact

Question 3

What kind of information would you put in your radiology request?

Answer 3

proximal and distal end of dissection
location of intimal flap
true and false lumen
presence of thrombosis in false lumen
if branches of aortic artery have been affected; any end-organ ischemia

Question 4

Type A or B?
How do you distinguish between true or false lumen

Question 5

Type A or B?
How do you distinguish between true or false lumen