Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Assessment of Aortic Dissection

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe value of transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of patients with aortic dissection was studied.METHODS AND RESULTSGroup 1 (34 patients) represented all patients studied at our institution with this technique in whom aortic dissection was proven by aortography, surgery, or autopsy. Group 2 (27 patients) represented all patients studied with this technique at our institution in whom aortic dissection was excluded by aortography. Transesophageal echocardiography made a correct diagnosis of aortic dissection in 33 of 34 patients (sensitivity, 97%; specificity, 100%). It also correctly demonstrated the type of dissection in all 29 patients with aortographic or surgical proof. On the other hand, computed tomography scanning, performed in 24 of 34 patients in group 1, made a correct diagnosis in only 67% of patients and misclassified the type of dissection in 33%. Transesophageal echocardiography correctly identified involvement of the coronary arteries by aortic dissection in six of se...