True/False: Aortic dissection can be reliably detected on plain radiographs in the same way as aortic aneurysm.

True/False: Aortic dissection can be reliably detected on plain radiographs in the same way as aortic aneurysm.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. Not true
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Plain chest radiographs cannot reliably detect aortic dissection in the same way they can sometimes suggest an aortic aneurysm. A dissection is a tear that creates a false channel within the aortic wall, and plain X-rays often look normal or show nonspecific signs like mediastinal widening. These findings are neither sensitive nor specific for dissection. In contrast, imaging that can visualize the true and false lumens or an intimal flap—such as CT angiography, MRI, or transesophageal echocardiography—provides a definitive diagnosis. So the statement is not true because plain radiographs are not a reliable method to detect dissection.

Plain chest radiographs cannot reliably detect aortic dissection in the same way they can sometimes suggest an aortic aneurysm. A dissection is a tear that creates a false channel within the aortic wall, and plain X-rays often look normal or show nonspecific signs like mediastinal widening. These findings are neither sensitive nor specific for dissection. In contrast, imaging that can visualize the true and false lumens or an intimal flap—such as CT angiography, MRI, or transesophageal echocardiography—provides a definitive diagnosis. So the statement is not true because plain radiographs are not a reliable method to detect dissection.