The most useful imaging study for thoracic aneurysms is:
A. EchocardiographyComputed tomographic ( CT) scanning is widely available, provides visualization of the entire thoracic and abdominal aorta, and permits multiplanar and 3-dimensional aortic reconstructions. Consequently, CT is the most commonand arguably the most useful-imaging modality for evaluating thoracic aortic aneurysms. In addition to establishing the diagnosis, CT provides information about an aneurysm's location, extent, anatomic anomalies, and relationship to major branch vessels. CT is particularly useful in determining the absolute diameter of the aorta, especially in the presence of a laminated clot, and also detects aortic calcification.