1. Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm
Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. (A) Frontal chest x-ray demonstrates an abnormally bulging and lobulated contour of the descending aorta (white arrowheads). (B) Coronal reformat from CT angiogram in the same patient demonstrates aneurysmal dilation of the descending aorta (white arrowheads). There is an intramural hematoma in the lateral aortic wall with a focal outpouching of contrast. This is called a penetrating aortic ulcer (black arrowhead). (C) Axial section from CT angiogram also demonstrates the intramural hematoma as a crescentic area of thickening of the aortic wall with luminal displacement of the intimal calcifications. Focal outpouching of contrast (black arrowhead) represents a penetrating aortic ulcer. These may progress to frank dissection and possibly rupture.
Source: Cardiothoracic Imaging, Introduction to Diagnostic Radiology
Citation: Elsayes KM, Oldham SA. Introduction to Diagnostic Radiology; 2015 Available at: Accessed: January 24, 2018
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