Computed Tomography Imaging Artifact Simulating Type A Aortic Dissection.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) is an effective tool for assessment of thoracic aortic disease in the modern era. Here, we describe a case of Type A aortic dissection incidentally detected by CT in a 63-year old man. Upon more precise imaging with electrocardiography (ECG)-gated CT, the dissection vanished, revealing it to be an aortic motion artifact. This report highlights the importance of motion artifacts mimicking a dissection flap. CT imaging gated with ECG can distinguish a dissection flap from an artifact.