MRA Chest and Abdomen Without and With IV Contrast Compared with MRA of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, imaging of the chest and abdomen reduces acquisition time, although is unable to assess for new or worsening pathology within the pelvis. MRA Chest and Abdomen Without IV Contrast Compared with MRA of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, imaging of the chest and abdomen reduces acquisition time, although is unable to assess for new or worsening pathology within the pelvis. Radiography Chest There is no relevant literature for radiography in the evaluation of follow-up of open repair of TAAA or dissection. After surgical repair of the thoracoabdominal aorta, radiography is unlikely to carry a sufficient sensitivity or specificity to be used routinely. Radiography Chest Abdomen Pelvis There is no relevant literature for radiography in the evaluation of follow-up of open repair of TAAA or dissection. After surgical repair of the thoracoabdominal aorta, radiography is unlikely to carry a sufficient sensitivity or specificity to be used routinely. US Duplex Doppler Aorta Abdomen Duplex US of the abdominal aorta is an option for evaluation of the thoracoabdominal aorta, although the ability to evaluate the aorta above the diaphragm may be markedly limited by acoustic windows. Prior studies comparing US, CT, and MRI of the abdominal aorta found that US is a reliable method to diagnose and follow AAAs [56]. In the evaluation of thoracoabdominal aortic dissection, US can also be used to evaluate blood flow in the true and false lumens and to directly and dynamically monitor the motion of dissection flaps [43]. As such, abdomen US can be performed serially to evaluate for aortic size changes or dissection hemodynamic changes. However, a limited ability to evaluate the thoracic aorta with dependence on patient acoustic windows could result in poor image quality or the inability to view changes to the aorta. Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection
Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm or Dissection Treatment Planning and Follow Up. MRA Chest and Abdomen Without and With IV Contrast Compared with MRA of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, imaging of the chest and abdomen reduces acquisition time, although is unable to assess for new or worsening pathology within the pelvis. MRA Chest and Abdomen Without IV Contrast Compared with MRA of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, imaging of the chest and abdomen reduces acquisition time, although is unable to assess for new or worsening pathology within the pelvis. Radiography Chest There is no relevant literature for radiography in the evaluation of follow-up of open repair of TAAA or dissection. After surgical repair of the thoracoabdominal aorta, radiography is unlikely to carry a sufficient sensitivity or specificity to be used routinely. Radiography Chest Abdomen Pelvis There is no relevant literature for radiography in the evaluation of follow-up of open repair of TAAA or dissection. After surgical repair of the thoracoabdominal aorta, radiography is unlikely to carry a sufficient sensitivity or specificity to be used routinely. US Duplex Doppler Aorta Abdomen Duplex US of the abdominal aorta is an option for evaluation of the thoracoabdominal aorta, although the ability to evaluate the aorta above the diaphragm may be markedly limited by acoustic windows. Prior studies comparing US, CT, and MRI of the abdominal aorta found that US is a reliable method to diagnose and follow AAAs [56]. In the evaluation of thoracoabdominal aortic dissection, US can also be used to evaluate blood flow in the true and false lumens and to directly and dynamically monitor the motion of dissection flaps [43]. As such, abdomen US can be performed serially to evaluate for aortic size changes or dissection hemodynamic changes. However, a limited ability to evaluate the thoracic aorta with dependence on patient acoustic windows could result in poor image quality or the inability to view changes to the aorta. Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection