CT patterns of acute type A aortic arch dissection: longer, higher, more anterior

Objectives:This study analysed CT patterns of the acute dissected aortic arch using original biometric features along with comparison with normal aortas.Methods:The diagnostic CT scans of 57 patients (42 males, age (mean ± SD: 64.5 ± 13.8 years) admitted with acute Stanford type A dissection involving the aortic arch were analysed by semi-automatic detection protocol of the true lumen of the dissection. We measured the distances from the apex to the ascending and descending aorta, the curvilinear length of the entire arch and of its segments (especially between the brachiocephalic artery trunk and the left subclavian artery), as well as the surface area, angle, height and shift of the arch. These measurements were compared with results previously obtained in a healthy cohort in an analysis adjusted for age, sex and weight. The surface area and rotation of the false lumen were also analysed.Results:Compared to normal aortic arches (N), dissected aortic arches (D) were longer (D: 155 ± 26  mm, N: 135 ± 25  ...