Feasibility, accuracy and safety of magnetic resonance imaging in acute aortic dissection.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most accurate method of defining the morphology and haemodynamic features of thoracic aortic dissection. However, because of doubts about its safety in acute situations, its use has so far been confined to imaging chronic dissections. We present a prospective study of 50 patients thought clinically to have acute thoracic aortic dissection in which a rapid diagnosis was made by MRI.