It's Aortic Disease Awareness Month - Diagnostic Testing

🩻 Understanding Diagnostic Testing for Aortic Disease 🫀

When it comes to diagnosing and monitoring aortic disease, different tests provide doctors with important information. Each one has unique strengths:

🔹 CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

• Quick and highly detailed.

• Gives doctors a 3D view of the aorta, making it one of the most common tools to detect aneurysms and dissections.

  
  

🔹 MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

• No radiation exposure.

• Great for follow-up imaging, especially in younger patients or those needing lifelong surveillance.

• Provides clear pictures of blood flow and vessel structure.

  
  

🔹 TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram)

• An ultrasound probe is placed down the esophagus to get close to the aorta.

• Produces high-quality images of the heart and ascending aorta.

• Often used in emergencies or during surgery.

  
  

🔹 Echocardiogram (Transthoracic Echo)

• A non-invasive ultrasound of the heart and nearby aorta.

• Common first-line test to check valve function and parts of the ascending aorta.

  
  

✨ Together, these tools help doctors diagnose, plan treatment, and monitor patients living with aortic disease.

💙 Knowledge is power — understanding your testing options can help you feel more confident and informed during your care journey.