How are ascending aortic aneurysms diagnosed?

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How are ascending aortic aneurysms diagnosed?

Since ATAAs don’t usually cause symptoms, they can be difficult to diagnose. They’re often detected by chance during an exam for another health condition. If your healthcare provider discovers an aneurysm, they may use a variety of imaging tests to learn more about it:

  • Chest X-ray: This quick imaging exam can show an enlarged aorta, but a chest X-ray isn’t detailed enough to show smaller aneurysms.
  • Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): This test uses sound waves to show how blood flows through your heart. A TTE can also identify problems with your heart valves.
  • Chest CT scan: A chest CT scan uses X-rays to create 3D pictures of your chest. It’s detailed enough to show even small aneurysms and dissections in your aorta, particularly if contrast is administered through an IV during the scan.
  • MR angiography: A performs an MRI of the chest and heart. Angiography can assess how well your left ventricle and aortic valve are working.

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