Thoracic Aorta

Question 1

What are the five types of aortic aneurysm per the Crawford Classification?

Answer 1

Type I: distal to LSCA - above renal arteries
Type II: distal to LSCA - below renal arteries
Type III: 6th intercostal space = below renal arteries
Type IV: total abdominal aortic aneurysm
Type V: 6th intercostal space - above renal arteries

Question 2

Normal ascending aorta diameter

Answer 2

2.2-3.7 cm

Question 3

Normal aortic arch diameter

Answer 3

2.5-3.0 cm

Question 4

Normal descending thoracic aorta

Answer 4

2-2.5 cm

Question 5

Atherosclerotic disease grades (Katz 1992)

Answer 5

Grade I: no plaque
Grade II: <3mm
Grade III: 3-5mm
Grade IV: >5mm
Grade V: mobile component

Question 6

DeBakey Classification for aortic dissection

Answer 6

Type I: ascending + descending
Type II: ascending only
Type III: descending only

IIIa: above the diaphragm
IIIb: extends below diaphragm

Question 7

Which DeBakey classification = Stanford Type A?

Answer 7

Type I and Type II

Question 8

When evaluating the descending aorta in long axis, which side of the screen is proximal and which side is distal?

Answer 8

Proximal on the right
Distal on on the left