Four Cases of Dissecting Aortic Aneurysms Diagnosed by Transesophageal Echocardiography

Choi, Kyung Yull; Huh, Seoung Ho; Song, Young Sung; Kim, Kee Sik; Kim, Yoon Nyun; Kim, Kwon Bae

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The prompt and accurate diagnosis of acute aortic dissection is decisive for the prognosis of the patient, since an effective surgical and medical therapy can improve the high rate of mortality due to this pathology. Among the various diagnostic methods, transesophageal echocardiography can provide a rapid and accurate method of diagnosing and evaluating dissecting aortic aneurysm and permits prompt initiation of appropriate treatment. Thus we performed transesophageal echocardiography in patients supected to dissecting aortic aneurysm, as a preliminary examination, and now we reported the result. METHODS: We have studied 4 case of dissecting aortic aneurysms among the patient received examination of cardiovascular system by transesophageal echocardiography, since January 1991 at Keimyung University hospital. In these 4 cases, 3 cases had CT scan, 2 cases had MRI scan, and all cases had transthoracic echocardiography simultaneously as a adjuvant diagnostic method. RESULTS: All 4 cases could be promptly and accuratoly diagnosed and typed by transesophageal echocardiography. As a consequence, patients could receive the early medical treatment and good clinical results. CONCLUSION: Transesophageal echocardiography is fast, inexpensive and accurate method in diagnosis of dissecting aortic aneurysm. So we recommend transesophageal echocardiography, as a preliminary examination in case of suspecting dissecting aortic aneurysm.