PLAIN RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE AORTA

As the main trunk of the systemic arteries, the aorta often reflects on chest radiography the status of the left ventricle centrally and the systemic circulation distally. Lesions of the aorta also affect the surrounding structures, providing telltale signs of the overall situation. Although newer imaging modalities have contributed a good deal to the evaluation of the aorta, chest radiography is still the most used baseline study. By first deriving full information from the routine chest films, one can better assess the necessity for and sequence of additional procedures. The use of digital chest radiography, which provides a clearer image of the aorta and surrounding structures, emphasizes the importance of plain-film interpretation. In this article the radiographic signs of aortic diseases in adults are presented. © 1990 Aspen Publishers, Inc.