Computerized tomography in the diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Computerized tomography allows good definition of the retroperitoneal space, especially the abdominal aorta. During a 15 month interval, 30 patients with pulsatile, abdominal masses were evaluated by computerized tomography to determine the presence of an aortic aneurysm, 4 centimeters or greater in size. Twenty-one of the 30 patients were found to have an aneurysm. In patients with a normal aorta, information concerning another disease process was often obtained. Results of computerized tomography were then compared with the other diagnostic techniques available and, in certain instances, with the size of the aneurysm at operation. Computerized tomography is the most accurate means of evaluating abdominal aortic aneurysms. The ability to detect a retroperitoneal space hemorrhage and to assess the pathologic condition of other abdominal viscera are two additional advantages.