Comparative analysis of CT and MRI techniques in diagnosing and managing aortic diseases: A literature search

Aortic diseases, which include aneurysms, dissections, and coarctations, present one of the greatest challenges in cardiovascular medicine due to associated morbidity and mortality. Therefore, adequate imaging for early diagnosis, surgical planning, and postoperative assessment is necessary. The most advanced modalities for the assessment of these conditions are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To review the use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the complete management of aortic diseases, especially with respect to diagnostic efficacy, surgical preparation, and postoperative management. A review of all published works has been undertaken to critically appraise the usefulness of CT and MRI in the context of aortic aneurysms, dissections, and coarctations. The comparative performance of these methods in terms of spatial resolution, soft-tissue contrast, and procedural safety was assessed. The review also covered pre- and postsurgical imaging outcomes, discussing problems and improvements in clinical practice. CT has excellent spatial resolution and is therefore extremely important in identifying acute pathologies, such as aortic dissections and aneurysmal ruptures. Moreover, MRI provides superior soft-tissue contrast. This allows for follow-up without radiation exposure for long-term surveillance and detailed anatomical visualization. Challenges include access, cost, and patient specificity, such as contraindications for contrast agents or implants. The complementarities between CT and MRI have dramatically improved diagnostic accuracy, influenced surgical decision-making, and improved patient outcomes. The integration of CT and MRI has revolutionized aortic disease management, offering unmatched diagnostic and therapeutic insights. The way forward should be channelled toward improving access and incorporating new imaging techniques that could be utilized in real-time and functional assessments.