THE IMPORTANCE OF ANGIO-CT IN ASSESSING MULTIPLE AORTIC ANEURYSMS.

Background: Aortic aneurysm represents a localized enlargement of the aorta greater than 1.5 times its normal size. It most commonly involves abdominal aorta, because of the difference in wall structure, which makes it more susceptible to damage. Aortic aneurysms mainly affect patients older than 50 years. Other risk factors are: smoking, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes and hypertension. It is usually asymptomatic unless complications occur, the most significant one being rupture of the aneurysm, which presents with severe thoracic or abdominal pain. Objective: To demonstrate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced CT scan in diagnosing aortic pathology, especially aortic aneurysm, and to evaluate the risks of its complications. Material and methods: It has been performed a non-contrast and contrast-enhanced CT scan, with both arterial and venous phases. It was administrated 100 ml of contrast agent (Optiray) with flow rate of 4 ml/s. Results: We present a case of a 62- years-old patient that was examined by a computed-tomography(CT). The non-enhanced CT scan revealed multiple enlargements at the level of aortic arch (50 mm diameter), descendent thoracic aorta (61 mm diameter) and abdominal aorta until the bifurcation (maximum diameter of 92 mm). The contrast-enhanced phase showed the presence of parietal thrombosis, with thickness up to 41 mm, at the level of abdominal aorta. Conclusions: Singular aortic aneurysms are common in patients older than 50 years, with predisposing factors. The particularity of this case is that this is a patient with multiple aortic aneurysms, which is less common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]