Question

A 70-year-old man with chest pain suggests an aortic dissection. He is hypertensive and complaining of tearing interscapular pain. According to NICE guidelines, which imaging study is preferred for diagnosing suspected acute aortic dissection if the patient is stable?

Accepted Answer

CT angiography of the chest

Answer

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)

Answer

MRI of the spine

Answer

Plain chest X-ray

Answer

No imaging is needed; proceed to surgery

Practice question

A 70-year-old man with chest pain suggests an aortic dissection. He is hypertensive and complaining of tearing interscapular pain. According to NICE guidelines, which imaging study is preferred for diagnosing suspected acute aortic dissection if the patient is stable?