Abstract：Objective: To investigate 16-slice spiral CT in diagnosing atherosclerotic ulcer of the aorta. Methods: Fifteen patients with atherosclerotic ulcer of the aorta, who underwent 16-slice spiral CT, were studied retrospectively. Of the 15 patients, 14 patients had acute aortic syndromes, 1 patient with other chronic diseases. More attention was put on the size, shape, depth, number and adjacent structure of the atherosclerotic ulcer. Results: Twelve patients had 1 lesion, 3 patients had multiple lesions. Fourteen patients with acute aortic syndromes had fairly long intramural hematoma and 10 patients with middle pleural, mediastinal, pericardial effusion; however 1 patient with other chronic diseases had local pseudoaneurysm without intramural hematoma and effusion. Conclusion: 16-slice spiral CT is of high value in diagnosing atherosclerotic ulcer of the aorta and may be the first choice diagnostic device for emergency.
2008, Vol. 19 
