Acute thoracic aortic dissection, A radiological approach from a surgical perspective.

The objective of our study is to describe the most significant radiological findings that influence and guide the preparation for emergency surgery for acute thoracic aortic dissection in the radiology emergency department, based on our knowledge of the surgical technique used. Acute thoracic aortic dissection is the most common urgent aortic pathology, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Radiology plays a key role in proper diagnosis, with CT angiography being the imaging test of choice, performing a multiphase study with image acquisition without and after contrast administration. The radiologist must provide key data useful to the surgeon, answering several questions that aid surgical planning, as well as using uniform terminology and measurement techniques that allow for better communication with other specialists, avoiding misinterpretation of findings. Knowledge of the surgical approach to acute aortic dissection is extremely useful for the emergency radiologist, since, in addition to focusing on describing acute vascular pathology, it can provide further information to aid preoperative planning, allowing for a faster and safer approach.