Advantages | Disadvantages |
Multidetector CT angiography |
Rapid image acquisition, 3D reconstruction, near-universal availability, rapid interpretation | Need for iodinated contrast, radiation exposure, overestimation of aortic diameter if slices are not perpendicular to flow, image artifact at aortic root |
MR angiography |
No radiation, 3D reconstruction, serial imaging | Limited availability, need to hold breath, time consuming, contraindicated in hemodynamically unstable patients, caution in patients with renal failure |
TEE |
No radiation, no iodinated contrast, can be performed at the bedside | Does not image the entire aorta, semi-invasive, requires sedation and airway management |
TTE |
No sedation needed, no radiation, no iodinated contrast, can be performed at the bedside | Does not image the entire aorta, artifact from overlying ribs |