Computed tomographic evaluation of aortic aneurysms.

Applications of computed tomography are being extended from the brain to other body parts. This report describes CT scanning of abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms in 30 patients. CT shows greatest promise in abdominal aortic scanning, where reliable identification of the aorta can be achieved even in the absence of enlargement or calcification. However, current limitations prevent visualization of internal detail such as intimal plaques or mural thrombi. Technical advances are described which should have an important bearing on this.