Advances in imaging techniques make it possible to easily
identify patients at risk for aortic disease. We focus on
screening patients early, so patients can receive intervention before the situation becomes an
emergency.
A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance image
(MRI) of the chest, or an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of the
abdomen provide an initial screen that can detect multiple
abnormalities of the thoracoabdominal aorta, including:
- Aneurysms
- Dissections
- Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers
- Congenital abnormalities of the aorta such as
coarctation
Such screening should be routine for men over 50 who have a
history of carotid or coronary disease and smoking.
Routine screening can also benefit high-risk patients with a
family history of aortic disease, bicuspid aortic valves, or a
connective tissue disorder such as the Marfan syndrome.
Patients with intense chest or upper back pain but no
evidence of heart attack may be candidates for emergency
screening.
Genetic Testing
Patients with a family history of the Marfan syndrome, or
another genetic connective tissue disorder such as one of the
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes or Loeys-Dietz syndrome, should see a
medical geneticist for evaluation, which sometimes includes
genetic testing for these disorders.
Duke is one of the few centers in the Southeast that offers
genetic screening for these inherited disorders. Genetic
testing is a new but expanding field, and diagnosing genetic
disorders is complex, often involving several physicians. At
Duke, physicians try to coordinate care so that patients can
see multiple subspecialists all in one day if necessary.
Physicians
Physicians offering this service include:
Locations
This service is available at:
