Presentation
Prior echocardiographic examination showed dilated aortic root with suspicious intimal flap. CT scan was requested to rule out dissection.
Patient Data
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The aortic root is dilated at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva with a diameter of 4.7 cm.
There is mild fusiform dilatation of the proximal descending thoracic aorta distal to the aortic isthmus. This aortic configuration is consistent with an aortic spindle. It measures 3.2 cm in diameter.
The innominate and left common carotid arteries share a common origin from the aortic arch (bovine aortic arch).
There is no demonstrable aortic dissection.
Case Discussion
This case demonstrates an aortic spindle which is an anatomic variant of the thoracic aorta and should not be confused with an aneurysm. The aortic spindle is seen as a smooth, circumferential dilatation of the proximal descending thoracic aorta distal to the aortic isthmus.