Zeitschrift für Kardiologie
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Comparative Study
[Intravascular ultrasound in patients with suspected aortic dissection: comparison with transesophageal echocardiography].
Thirteen patients with suspected aortic dissection (two women, 11 men, age 61 +/- 10.8 years) underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), angiography, and in part computed tomography (CT). TEE was performed using 3.5 or 3.75 MHz ultrasound transducers. IVUS examination was done using a 6F 20 MHz "rotational-tip" IVUS catheter (Boston Scientific) advanced over a guiding-wire positioned in the ascending aorta by the "side-saddle" technique. ⋯ No adverse effects occurred. Intravascular ultrasound allows to scan the entire aorta in patients with suspected aortic dissection. The current limitations can be solved only by the introduction of steerable and/or low frequency catheters.