diagnosis of aortic dissection

[byaaaaaaah23]

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MTB2 says CXR is best first test for aortic dissection to observe widened mediastinum, but I have a hard time buying this. FA says CTA is best for diagnosis and doesn't mention best initial test. Any thoughts on preferred method if diagnosing aortic dissection for step 2?

Cheers and good luck guys!

 

[DrBowtie]

MTB2 says CXR is best first test for aortic dissection to observe widened mediastinum, but I have a hard time buying this. FA says CTA is best for diagnosis and doesn't mention best initial test. Any thoughts on preferred method if diagnosing aortic dissection for step 2?

Cheers and good luck guys!

If you come to the ER with chest pain, you'll get a chest X-ray first. It is not a good test for dissection because you can have a normal CXR and have a dissection. CTA or MRA are the best tests to make the diagnosis.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

Thanks. So you would still pick CXR even if the description is so classic for aortic dissection?

 

[usmlejourney2015]

@byaaaaaaah23 yes ur correct


Cheers!

 

[PltEnthusiast]

MTB2 says CXR is best first test for aortic dissection to observe widened mediastinum, but I have a hard time buying this. FA says CTA is best for diagnosis and doesn't mention best initial test. Any thoughts on preferred method if diagnosing aortic dissection for step 2?

Cheers and good luck guys!

For step 2, CXR is the best 'initial' test and CTA is the 'best test'.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

thanks @Unforgettable @usmlejourney2015 👍