Thoracic aortic aneurysm: direct sign of rupture

Abstract

Hypertension, wall thinning and aortic enlargement are the most important factors increasing wall stress and causing aortic aneurysms to rupture. Computed tomography, especially with contrast image enhancement, usually shows the aortic anatomy with great clarity and distinguishes a ruptured aortic aneurysm from an acute aortic syndrome.