Aortic Arch Morphology and Aortic Dissection in Computed Tomography Angiography

Objectives: The acute phase of aortic dissection is very dangerous. The identification of risk factors for disease is beneficial to the early diagnosis and treatment of dissection. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the different branches of aortic arch and the occurrence of aortic dissection. Methods: A total of 80 patients with Stanford B aortic dissection treated in our hospital were collected. Computed tomography angiography was performed in all the patients. The patients who were excluded from aortic dissection were selected as the control group. The data of the two groups were treated with three dimensional reconstruction of the post processing workstation. The related data of the branches of the aortic arch were measured and compared. Results: Compared with control group, the diameters of brachiocephalic trunk (BCT), left common carotid artery (LCA) and left subclavian artery (LSA) in aortic dissection patients were 16%, 25% and 20% higher. The straight distances from LCA and LSA to the aortic root were 17% and 21% longer. The angles between BCT, LCA, LSA and the long axis of aortic arch were 6%, 7% and 11% larger. There was no significant difference of adjacent distance branches of the aortic arch. Conclusion: Aortic arch morphology is related to the occurrence of Stanford B aortic dissection.