Dear readers,
One of the known abnormalities included in the “Acute Aortic Syndrome” spectrum is Penetrating Atherosclerotic Ulcer (PAU). This life-threatening condition occurs as a consequence of disruption of the aortic media layer but, differently from aortic dissection and intramural hematoma, its origin is related to specific atherosclerotic alterations in aortic segments. Nonetheless, these three different pathological entities are very difficult to discriminate. For a precise differential diagnosis, the optimal imaging modality is multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).
A comprehensive description of the characteristic features of PAUs and an accurate documentation of the advantages of MDCT for PAU evaluation and diagnosis, essential for a correct management, are provided in this month’s review from Prof. Scaglione’s medical team. The selected chapter of this month’s e-book also covers the clinical aspects of PAUs and the rigorous aortic imaging provided by the application of MDCT. Finally, we propose a clinical case illustrating the usefulness of the MDCT approach for the study of PAUs.
Suggestions for topics to be covered in future issues of this newsletter are welcome as usual. Please send your ideas to us at editorial@mdct.net.
From the mdct.net team
