A Comparative Study of Imaging Techniques in Aortic Dissection, DeBakey Type I: Intraoperative Live Three-Dimensional Epicardial Echocardiography, Multiplane Transesophageal Echocardiography, and Multislice Computed Tomography.

Objective: : To compare the accuracy of intraoperative live 3-dimensional epicardial echocardiography, multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) imaging in the detection of thoracic aortic dissection, site of intimal tear, and involvement of arch vessel.

Methods: : Of 24 patients studied from October 2003 to September 2004, 12 had aortic dissection. They were examined preoperatively with contrast material-enhanced MSCT and multiplane TEE. Intraoperative live 3-dimensional epicardial echocardiographic evaluation of the ascending aorta and arch was performed. Imaging results in terms of detection of aortic dissection, site of intimal tear, and involvement of coronary arteries and arch vessels were confirmed at intraoperative exploration by the operating surgeon as the reference standard.

Results: : Sensitivity in the detection of thoracic aortic dissection was 100% for all techniques. Specificity was 92%, 92%, and 100% for live 3-dimensional epicardial echocardiography, multiplane TEE, and MSCT imaging, respectively. In the assessment of aortic arch vessel involvement, sensitivity was 92%, 58%, and 92%, and specificity was 75%, 50%, and 83%, respectively. For the detection of the site of intimal tear, sensitivity was 92%,92%, and 58%, and specificity was 83%,75%, and 50%, respectively.

Conclusion: : Intraoperative live 3-dimensional epicardial echocardiography is as valuable as multiplane TEE and MSCT imaging in the detection of thoracic aortic dissection. In the assessment of the aortic arch vessel involvement, MSCT and live 3-dimensional epicardial echocardiography are superior (P < 0.05), whereas live 3-dimensional epicardial echocardiography and TEE are superior in detection of site of intimal tear (P < 0.05).