Introduction. The aorta is a major blood vessel that supplies all segments of
the human body. Acute aortic syndrome is a term that implies a
life-threatening aortic disease. Due to the speed of examination and
widespread availability, computed tomography angiography is a front-line
diagnostic modality for emergencies and diseases of the abdominal aorta. The
aim of this study was to provide a wide range of potentially
life-threatening abnormalities of the abdominal aorta in daily clinical and
radiological practice through a series of computed tomography angiography
images and three-dimensional virtual reconstruction. Abdominal aortic
aneurysm is defined as a 50% increase in diameter more than the normal
arterial diameter. One of the most important complications of an aneurysm is
a rupture that can be acute or chronic, presenting with various clinical
manifestations. Aortic dissections are caused by abnormality of the tunica
media layer, forming an intimal-medial flap and two types of lumen. A
penetrating aortic ulcer may erode through the internal elastic lamina of
the aortic wall and allow formation of hematoma within the tunica media.
Occlusive disease of the abdominal aorta may refer to the late stage of
chronic aortoiliac occlusive disease, whereas the acute and/or subacute form
occurs due to sudden thrombosis or occlusion. Conclusion. The recognition of
specific radiological signs of abdominal aortic disease using computed
tomography angiography contributes to optimal treatment of patients and
reduces mortality.
Computed tomography angiography findings of abdominal aortic disease: A review of emergencies
