What are image findings in aortic dissection?

• Chest X-ray often reveals a widened superior mediastinum. • A pleural effusion (usually left-sided) also may be present. This effusion is typically sero-sanguineous and not indicative of rupture unless accompanied by hypotension and falling hematocrit. (ascending aorta) • In dissections of the descending thoracic aorta, a widened mediastinum may be observed on chest x-ray. • the descending aorta may appear to be wider than the ascending portion