Radiography
Calcification of the abdominal aortic wall is frequently evident on plain radiographs of the abdomen, as demonstrated in the images below.
Calcification is best seen on lateral views when the spine does not obscure the opposing walls of the vessel. When calcification can be clearly identified in the opposing aortic walls, abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) can be diagnosed with the plain radiographic findings.
Radiograph shows calcification of the abdominal aorta. The left wall is clearly depicted and appears aneurysmal; however, the right wall overlies the spine. Because both walls must be calcified for a diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm, lack of a clear view of the right wall makes diagnosis uncertain.
The lateral view clearly shows calcification of both walls. Abdominal aortic aneurysm can be diagnosed with certainty.
Degree of confidence
If the classic eggshell appearance is present, the degree of confidence is approximately 100%; however, this finding is present only in 50% of patients. Occasionally, only the anteroposterior or lateral abdominal image demonstrates the findings clearly. If AAAs are suspected, perform abdominal US or CT for confirmation. As such, negative plain radiographic findings do not exclude the diagnosis in any way.
False positives/negatives
A tortuous, calcified aorta can mimic AAA unless both walls can be seen clearly. If the opposing walls are not calcified, the diagnosis cannot be made with certainty. In these cases, US, CT, or MRI must be performed if AAA is clinically suspected
Source emedicine.com
Duc Tin Surgical Clinic
Tin tức liên quan
Performance diagnostique de l’interféron gamma dans l’identification de l’origine tuberculeuse des pleurésies exsudatives
A Mixed Phenotype of Airway Wall Thickening and Emphysema Is Associated with Dyspnea and Hospitalization for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Radiological Approach to Asthma and COPD-The Role of Computed Tomography.
Significant annual cost savings found with UrgoStart in UK and Germany
Thrombolex announces 510(k) clearance of Bashir catheter systems for thromboembolic disorders
Phone: (028) 3981 2678
Mobile: 0903 839 878 - 0909 384 389