The Echocardiographic Evaluation of Aortic Aneurysm.

Abstract

Aortic aneurysm is the second most common aortic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We summarize the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of aortic aneurysms in assessing the different etiologies, associated complications, and the role in serial follow-up. In addition, we discuss the limitations of echocardiographic evaluation and the role of multimodality imaging. Echocardiographic tools such as 2D/3D and Doppler imaging have helped improve the quality of aortic evaluation in acute and long-term follow-up. Moreover, multimodality imaging (CT and MR angiography) has advanced the field of aortic imaging. Echocardiography is an essential and critical tool for the evaluation of normal aorta and various aortic pathologies. It provides valuable information with its diverse modalities such as TTE and TEE. Echocardiography along with complimentary multimodality imaging is critical to identify the acute aortic syndromes and other associated complications of aortic aneurysms, and in long-term follow-up.