Vascular CT Appearances
Aortic Occlusion CT Findings
- Most common location is bifurcation of aorta
- Enlarged collateral vessels depending on the chronicity of the occlusion
Other Information About Aortic Occlusion
Etiology:
- Atherosclerosis
- Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol all increase risk of aortic occlusion
- Associated with Takayasu’s aortitis
Epidemiology:
- Typically presents after age 60
Presentation:
- May be asymptomatic
- Pain or cramping in lower half of the body that comes with exercise and goes with rest
- Leg pain when resting
- Erectile dysfunction
Prognosis:
- Aortic occlusion can be fatal
- Prognosis depends greatly on the severity of the disease
- Many studies suggest the 30-day mortality rate after surgery is about 20%