Slowly Progressive and Painless Thoracic Aortic Dissection Presenting with a Persistent Fever in an Elderly Patient: The Usefulness of Combined Measurement of Biochemical Parameters
Figure 1
Computed tomography of the chest. (a) Plain computed tomography (CT) performed on the first day. The density of the false lumen (white arrows) of the ascending aorta was homogenous and higher than that of the true lumen and that of the false lumen of the descending aorta, indicating relatively newly developed thrombosis. The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was 55 mm. (b) Plain CT performed on the 27th day. The density of the false lumen of the ascending aorta was partially heterogeneous compared to that observed on the first day. (c) Contrast-enhanced CT performed on the 29th day. The false lumen of the ascending aorta was also enhanced by contrast medium, directly indicating ongoing aortic dissection. The amount of pericardial effusion was also increased. The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was enlarged (60 mm), indicating an increased risk for rupture of the ascending aorta.
